The Phoenix Newspaper - July 2019 by The Phoenix Newspaper

Promoting Diversity for Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022

JULY 2019

All Your Ents News Inside

Connecting Communities - Inspiring A New Generation

Celebrating The Brightest & Best of Brum

Inside This Month

Victoria Mutual Honour Women Of Purpose - Centre Pullout

by Steve Williams

t was a night of worthy recognition as some of the West Midlands’ leading figures received the much-coveted Fellowship of The Birmingham Society. Hosted by Adrian de Redman, F.S.A.Scot., Hon.F.H.S., Clerk to the Board of Governors, and in the presence of its patron, The Right Worshipful Counsellor Mohammed Azim, the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, this, the twenty-fifth annual convocation – held at Birmingham City Council House - proved poignant as it was an extra special occasion for The Phoenix Newspaper and its Founder/Editor In Chief Marcia McLaughlin F.Birm. Soc as they received the Patricia M Purchase award and a much-soughtafter Fellowship respectively – for it, and her, un-paralleled, devoted work in developing a better Birmingham.

Nachural Summer Business Ball & Awards - Pages 20-21

Summer In Southside - Centre Pages

And much more...

Continued on Page 10

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Will Brexit Lead To The Downfall Of The Next UK Prime Minister?

By Dr Tony Talburt

rexit has divided the country and also the UK Parliament, and has resulted in two Prime Ministers losing their jobs. Will the next UK Prime minister follow in their footsteps? It seems very likely. Within hours after the result of historic Brexit vote was announced in June 2016, a tearful David Cameron declared he would not be able to lead the UK in its quest to depart from the European Union (EU). After six years as Prime Minister,

it was the Brexit vote that led to Mr Cameron’s departure from Downing Street. Cameron’s legacy was fairly impressive. He was the youngest person since the beginning of the twentieth century (at age 49) to become UK Prime Minster. He was responsible for tax cuts, he pushed gay marriages through the House of Commons, and he was instrumental in helping to preserve the Union by working to ensure Scotland to remain part of the UK. By the time he left political office, Britain was the fastest growing

economy in Europe, if not the Western world. In the end, however, it was Brexit that un-did him. The question is, since June 2016, when the Brexit result demonstrated how divisive the country is over the issue of remaining or staying in the EU, can anyone unite the different views, opinions and general disharmony? Cameron didn’t, May couldn’t, therefore, will the next Prime Minister be able to do so? It is quite possible that the poisoned chalice which is Brexit, will also result in them leaving with tears in their eyes.

After only three years, three failed attempts to get her Brexit plan through Parliament, Theresa May probably realised that the writing was on the wall. Parliament was broadly divided into three camps: leave by any means necessary, remain by any means necessary, or leave but retain some of the benefits of the EU. The problem for Mrs May and the new Prime Minister is that the divisions in Parliament are very much the same. As long as the Parliament remains divided and no compromise is reached, no decision will result in happiness for everyone. The next UK Prime Minster will have to try to see whether the rest of the 27 European Union members will meet with him to renegotiate a possible extension to the deadline of 31 October or indeed, to renegotiate aspects of the deal. This seems unlikely but time will tell whether the EU will grant the UK another chance to come up with its final version of a Brexit agreement. The key issue is, whoever becomes Prime Minister, must decide whether the country can really afford to leave the EU regardless of the consequences. Should this happen, would it cause more economic uncertainty in the country? With such a divided Parliament, it might well be that the next Prime Minister will find it difficult to unite the House and therefore not gain a true majority. In the end, therefore, the issue of Brexit might prove, for the third time in a row, to be the PM’s undoing.

When Will Brum Have Time To Relax? A major transport hub, due in part to its location in central England, Birmingham is also attracting major businesses to the city as the likes of HSBC Bank is relocated its headquarters to the UK’s second largest city and HS2 developing one of its major hubs in its central region. All part of the grand plan to making a new, thriving Birmingham city - which augers well for an exciting future. But, as buildings are going one after the other, and, like-

wise, the city’s roads are dug up and re-laid – dug up and re-laid, some buildings are taking remarkably longer than others; which often aren’t particularly down to the size of the structure. Not standing in the way of progress, letting the city ‘breath’, just for a short period, and allowing travellers to go about their daily routine might not go amiss for residents and visitors to the historic city with great ease and comfort. Just a thought.

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NEWS

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l Render of the front of the redesigned Symphony Hall

£4.5m Funding Boost Award For Birmingham’s Symphony Hall W

ith support from Arts Council’s Capital funding programme, Birmingham’s Town Hall Symphony Hall (THSH) is on course to transform Symphony Hall and create more spaces for people to perform and experience great work. Arts Council is investing £4.5million of National Lottery money in the project, which will allow THSH to update Symphony Hall’s foyers, create new learning and participation spaces and enhance the experience for visitors of all ages. Peter Knott, Area Director, Arts Council England, said: “This is fantastic news for Birmingham and a great opportunity for THSH to do something truly ambitious – creating new spaces for artists to perform and new spaces for audiences to experience great arts and culture, and really cementing its place in Birmingham’s cultural landscape. The project will create opportunities for artists to perform in the foyers, and a

daily programme with free and affordable performances. Alongside flexible spaces that can host workshops, pre-show talks and corporate guests, opportunities will also be made available to artists with limited mobility, sensory and cognitive disabilities. Town Hall Symphony Hall present a wide-ranging programme of music, comedy and spoken word, and the project, with a total cost of £13.2 million, will mean that even more people can access and enjoy this work. “This extraordinary project will ensure that Symphony Hall will continue to be a creative force and financially independent long into the future,” explained Nick Reed, Chief Executive for Town Hall Symphony Hall. “We are incredibly thankful to Arts Council England, and many other supporters, for recognising the inspiring work currently delivered and committing to our ambitious aspirations to deliver even more inspirational activities. “We currently reach over 18,000 people with our learning

and community programme and over the coming years we will be able to reach thousands more in the transformed spaces that this project will create.” Andy Street, the Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “Symphony Hall is one of the region’s best landmarks and a real jewel in

Birmingham’s crown. “I spent several years as the vice-chairman of Performances Birmingham, which runs THSH, so I have seen first-hand just how wonderful the venue is. “One of the real strengths of the Symphony Hall has always been how it offers a space for people to be creative, and so I am delighted that this new £4.5m investment in the hall will open up more spaces for those wanting to perform.” The transformation of Symphony Hall’s foyers has also gained support from the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership (GBSLEP). “GBSLEP is delighted to be investing up to £6 million of funding from the local growth fund in this exciting project, which will help to realise our ambitions to grow the creative sector, improve experiences and access to the arts for a more diverse group of artists, and visitors,” beamed Katie Trout, Director at GBSLEP. This Capital investment from Arts Council will ensure companies and venues have the buildings and equipment they need to provide great artistic and cultural experiences to their local communities.

l Nick Reed, Chief Executive of Town Hall Symphony Hall

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THE PHOENIX NEWSPAPER 9TH ANNIVERSARY GALA DINNER AND AWARDS PRESENTATION

In Association With

he Phoenix Newspaper, in association with the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), is proud to announce its 9th Anniversary Gala Dinner and Awards Presentation Ceremony. “We all witnessed how the Commonwealth vision offers hope and inspires us to find ways of protecting our planet, and our people. “We are able to look to the future with greater confidence and optimism as a result of the links that we share, and thanks to the networks of cooperation and mutual support to which we contribute, and on which we draw.” - Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. In connecting with our brothers and sisters across the

Commonwealth, Her Majesty The Queen along with the rest of the royal family have made it their duty to highlight the importance of the Commonwealth, and in doing so we have followed the steps of the Royals across the rich continent of Africa. To showcase Africa and the connections that The Phoenix has globally with Commonwealth countries, we were delighted to bring a bit of the African continent along with its royalty, traditions and legacies to Birmingham for our 7th Anniversary. For our 8th Anniversary, we connected with the British Military to showcase the many soldiers from Commonwealth countries who fought

alongside their British comrades with one voice, and also the diversity of our Armed Forces today. This year, in keeping with Queen Elizabeth and her love for the Commonwealth, The Phoenix Newspaper has teamed up with the Caribbean Tourism Organization, which, although not all of its 24 member countries are part of the Commonwealth, its purpose of Leading Sustainable Tourism - One Sea, One Voice, ideally reflects what we are promoting. Connecting communities across the Commonwealth with this year’s theme which is ‘Spreading The Love’, the world is a better place with travel as

we discover new cultures, food, people and beginnings. So let’s celebrate the exciting blend of uniqueness and diversity of the Caribbean, and the beauty in experiencing the world at our fingertips. Once again, this year our anniversary ball will be held at the International Convention Centre in Birmingham, on 16 November 2019, with the theme of a Masquerade Ball. This year’s event promises to bring world leaders, high-ranking military officials, governors, dignitaries and specially invited guests together under the same roof to celebrate a newspaper that follows through with its promises. The Phoenix Newspaper, the Truth Newspaper, has been connecting communities over the past eight years through our free, non-biased monthly publication both in print and online. Finally, this year is all about love, which is a universal message that all of us understand regardless of race, colour, creed, gender, or sexuality. The Phoenix demonstrates a ‘live and let live’ attitude. This is an awards ceremony that recognises diversity, inclusion and success from all sectors and walks of life, so this year make sure you don’t miss out. We will be giving away an allexpenses-paid holiday to the Caribbean. Watch this space for more information. We are looking for corporate sponsors to support us in delivering this year’s event. So if you are a company, and organisation or government body who champions diversity, inclusion and the common good, identify yourselves by supporting this cause. There are a wide variety of sponsorship opportunities available, and sponsors from all sectors are welcome, contact TPN Media on 0121 339 5885 or email galadinnerandawards@ tpnmediauk.com for more information.

l Air Vice-Marshal Aroop Mozumder addressing the audience on the night, and Rue Jay winning the Best Eatery Award for The Funky Bear

SPECIAL INVITATION

16 11 2019 The Phoenix Newspaper 9th Anniversary Gala Dinner & Awards Ceremony

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NEWS

Monthly views

withTony Kelly

A Summer of Sports during the month of July

Special Memorials mark 75th Anniversary of D-Day landings

series of commemoration events took place in the UK and France to mark the 75th anniversary D-Day landing in Normandy. Senior politicians and members of the Royal family as well as hundreds of veterans attended ceremonies to remember what is considered one of the most important events of the Second World War. More than 200 veterans boarded a cruise ship charted by the Royal British Legion to attend the events while others descended en masse on Portsmouth and Normandy.

At the Portsmouth Naval Memorial some 4,000 military personnel, 11 Royal Naval vessels and 26 RAF aircraft were part of key ceremonies acknowledging the operation included the UK's national commemoration event which was attended by the Queen and US President Donald Trump, as well as representatives from other allied countries as well as Germany. The countries represented at the event agreed to make a joint statement pledging to ensure the "unimaginable horror" of World War Two is not repeated.

Called "the D-Day proclamation", the 16 signatories - including the UK and the United States - commit to working together to "resolve international tensions peacefully. Prime Minister Theresa May used the occasion to call for continued Western unity in tackling what she will call "new and evolving security threats". D-Day is a military term used to describe the day on which an operation, or attack, is to begin. Derived from the word 'day', it has been used for many different military operations but is most

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closely association with the Allied landings on Normandy's beaches on June 6, 1944. The Normandy D-Day landing operation was originally planned for June 5 - but bad weather delayed it by a day. Some 5,300 ships and craft, 150,000 men, 1,500 tanks and 12,000 planes took part in D-Day - British and Commonwealth soldiers landed at Gold, Juno and Sword while American soldiers were sent to Utah and Omaha making it the largest seaborne invasion in history.

Live Black Sabbath Bridge naming attract thousands Birmingham heavy metal founders, Black Sabbath, attracted thousands of fans to canal bridge over Broad Street after it was renamed as the ‘Black Sabbath Bridge’ in a celebrations organised by Westside Business Improvement District (BID). Meanwhile a heavy metal bench dedicated to the band, which is to be located on the bridge, was unveiled to the general public at the same time. At the same time, renowned Black Sabbath tribute band, Sabbra Cadabra, was transported along with their instruments and sound equipment onto a tiny island on the canal located between The Malt House pub, the Sea Life Centre and the Arena Birmingham as it warmed up gathering crowds while Black Sabbath founding members Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler held a press conference at a nearby venue. Two canal barges then took the legendary rock stars across to the island where they were interviewed by former sports star, current TV broadcaster and lifelong Black Sabbath fan, Christian Martin. A proud Tony Iommi said: “We’re thrilled that everyone can now enjoy what has become a special location for Black Sabbath history.” Geezer Butler added: “I couldn’t wait for what was such a memorable event.”

or those who love watching or participating in sports at any level be it amateur or professional this month is rather unusual on the world’s stage as there are more than the average amount of competitions to feast our eyes and enjoy the rivalry and talent on display. Whether one is a sports fan as a spectator attending events or an armchair fan watching on television or online one is spoilt for choice in the month of July. The Oxford dictionary’s definition of Sports is: An activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another or others for entertainment. ‘team sports such as soccer and rugby’ mass noun ‘. I would add whether it is a team or individual sport one has to train hard and display a positive attitude in success as well as defeat. I would rather a modest/humble winner over a sore loser every time. So instead of three buses coming at once as the proverbial saying goes, there are at least seven world class sporting events for us to enjoy this month. 1. Women’s Football World Cup Final reaches its climax on the 7th July in Paris. 2. Cricket World Cup Final at Lord’s Cricket Ground on the 14th July in London. 3. All England Lawn Tennis Club hosts the Women’s & Men’s Final on 13th & 14th July at Wimbledon. 4. Formula British Grand Prix is on 14th July at Silverstone Race Track. 5. Netball World Cup with the final on 21st July in Liverpool. 6. Muller Anniversary Games (athletics) on 20th and 21st July at London Olympic Stadium 7. Tour de France (cycling) ending on 28th July in Paris. It is interesting to note that the island of Jamaica is represented in all of the sporting fixtures aforementioned except the British Grand Prix which is one of the most costly sports to become involved in and the three weeks of cycling in France. Some might ask who is representing Jamaica at Wimbledon tennis. Let me remind readers of Dustin Brown who proudly wears dreadlocks and beat Rafa Nadal on Centre

Court’s hallowed lawn a few years ago. Although he competes for Germany having been born there, his roots are firmly set in Jamaica where his father is from. Dustin Brown has actually lived on the island with his parents on two separate occasions. Apart from the Women’s Football World Cup currently being played in France and the Tour De France all the other sporting events are taking place on home soil. Britain has had a really miserable June in terms of the weather so we can only hope that the month of July shines on the British Isles since it is no fun having to watch these events in cold, wet and damp conditions or have them rained off. Thankfully the netball world cup will be an indoor event so the weather cannot stop that from happening. Wimbledon tennis now has two retractable roofs on Centre and No. 1 Court so at least some matches will take place regardless of the weather conditions. Sports has a way of bringing out the camaraderie, passion and rivalry amongst viewers and supporters and also becomes a major talking point away from the arguments of religion and politics of which most people have had enough of the latter in recent times. It is good to appreciate the talent of these sportsmen and sportswoman but may I also take the opportunity to encourage all readers to develop a habit of doing some form of physical activity alongside watching these international sporting events. It will do your health and body the world of good. I am all for pro-social modelling and lead by example doing Zumba, Pilates, Yoga and Aqua fit every week, plus a lot of walking and never use lifts/elevators, travelators or escalators. Keeping the body moving has always been my preferred option and it does work wonders. Remaining an armchair sports fan or leading a couch potato lifestyle is to be discouraged as the body is meant to move. Watch and enjoy these major sporting events and don’t forget to participate in which physical activity you fancy.

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The Phoenix Newspaper - July 2019 - Page 7

NEWS

Town Hall Symphony Hall @THSHBirmingham thsh_birmingham townhallsymphonyhall

BETTY WRIGHT TERENCE LIVE IN BLANCHARD CONCERT & THE SAT 20 JULY E-COLLECTIVE 8:30PM

Backstage pass offers a taste of life at The REP

Birmingham Repertory Theatre offered a little taste of life at the theatre when it hosted a free Discovery Day on Saturday 22 June for a free day

of activities for all ages and interests from pop-up performances to backstage tours, crafts to competitions. The REP’s Discovery Day

ligious mother's strict rules, and her changing relationship with her twin brother. Desperate to find an outlet for all of her emotions, Xiomara turns to her leather notebook, where she writes poems and verses. When she's asked the join her school's slam poetry club, she knows it could change everything. In addition to the Carnegie Prize, ‘The Poet X’ is the recipient of the National Book Award for Young People's Literature, the Michael L. Printz Award, and the Pura Belpré Award. Acevedo has been busy in recent months — and not just accepting awards. In May 2019, she released her second book, ‘With the Fire on High’. The novel follows Latina teen Emoni Santiago, a teen mom who feels magic in the kitchen when she cooks, but knows that her responsibilities at home come first. But when a cooking club at school presents her with a huge opportunity, Emoni might have no choice but to embrace her passion. gave visitors a chance to see how a theatre works on a Backstage Tour. From peeping through the wings on the main stage to finding out how scenery is built visitors had the chance to see the workings of a producing theatre. In addition to seeing behind the scenes there was a whole range of exciting activities for children and families. Voice workshops gave people the chance to speak some iconic lines from The REP’s main stage (one of the biggest in Europe), and a fun drama workshop, Act Yourself, explored making theatre using different languages. A display of theatrical costumes from recent productions demonstrated the skill of the theatre’s wardrobe department while children enjoyed dressing-up themselves, having their face-painted or getting a fake, gruesome wound.

THE6 APRIL HITS 7PM SAT PERFORMED TOWN HALL BY 16-PIECE ORCHESTRA SAT 27 JULY 7:45PM TOWN HALL

MALORIE ON STAGE BLACKMAN WITH: NOUGHTS & KAIA KATER

CROSSES WED 8 MAY 7:30PM SAT 7 SEPTEMBER SYMPHONY HALL 3PM STAGE ©Raez Argulla

most prestigious children's book awards." Acevedo, the daughter of Dominican immigrants, won the Carnegie just two years after the prestigious award came under fire in March 2017 for releasing a 20book long list of nominees, all by white writers. According to an article in the Guardian, the organizers instigated an independent review and concluded "that the UK’s overwhelmingly white librarian workforce, who nominate books for the medal, were mostly unaware of titles by writers of colour." Organizers of the Carnegie Medal promised to restructure to account for its lack of diverse winners, which makes Acevedo's win even more meaningful: Not only is she the first writer of colour to win, but she won for a debut ‘Own Voices’ release, written in verse, about an Afro-Latina teen. ‘The Poet X’ follows Xiomara Batista, a teen from Harlem who struggles with body image, her first experience with love, her re-

STEVIE THE GRIND WONDER – LIVE! Francesca Moore / Alamy Stock Photo

o matter how prestigious, literary awards are far from perfect. It is no secret that white men reign supreme when it comes to winning prizes like the Pulitzer (no woman has won a Pulitzer since 2014 and only three women of colour have won) and the Nobel (only 14 women have been awarded a Nobel Prize in Literature). All too often, women — particularly women of colour — go overlooked. But Elizabeth Acevedo, author of National Book Award winning YA novel ‘The Poet X’, has made history in a big way - by becaming the first writer of colour to receive the Carnegie Medal in the prizes' 83-year history. The Carnegie Medal is an annual British literary award that recognizes one outstanding new English-language book for children or young adults. Voted upon by the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals, it is called "the UK's oldest and

©Henry Adebonojo

Writer, Acevedo, The First Ever Black Winner Of Carnegie Medal

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Page 8 - The Phoenix Newspaper - July 2019

BUSINESS AND FINANCE

ne of the leaders of Westside Business Improvement District (BID) plans to throw himself out of a plane to help raise £25,000 for charity. Saqib Bhatti, a director and company secretary of the BID, will be jumping from a plane at 15,000-feet on 28 June to raise money for Prostate Cancer UK. Saqib, who’s also president of the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, planned the skydive after Chamber chairman David Waller and past president Greg Lowson were both diagnosed with – and successfully overcame – prostate cancer. He has convinced six other brave souls to join him: entrepreneur Joel Blake; marketing executive Sophie Drake, recruitment specialist Leanne Perry, Professor Martin Levermore, and bank managers Rebekkah Tait and Felix Peter-Thomas. Mr Bhatti, whose day job is a director at Younis Bhatti & Co. Chartered Accountants, said: “I had this crazy idea and now that idea is becoming a reality. “I am putting my life on the line to raise awareness so all those men who have suffered or who will suffer know that they aren’t alone. “Two of our board members at Chamber were diagnosed with prostate cancer and were able to get treated. We’re a bit like a family here at the Chamber, and I felt I had to do something. “Also, when you speak to people,

Business leader to hurl himself out of a plane for charity

more and more start speaking of loved ones who have suffered from prostate cancer. It’s one of the biggest killers of men in the UK, yet it’s not spoken enough and there is a taboo around getting yourself checked out. “It’s really easy to do and is a simple blood test. Catching it early means you can treat it and the chances of survival are higher. This is one of those cancers that is beatable in the next 10-15 years. We just need to raise awareness and do the relevant research.” Ahead of the big jump in Oxfordshire, which coincides with the Lord Mayor of Birmingham’s ‘Giving Day’ on 28 June, Saqib visited the state-of-the-art Bear Grylls Adventure at the NEC for a trial run in their iFly simulator. He and his intrepid team have already raised more than half their £25,000.

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Why is Project Management vital to Business Development? with Dr Christopher Johnson

n today’s hectic business environment where production and services sectors compete, directors must recognise that project management is imperative for growth. Small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) make up the majority of economic activities in the UK and globally. Integrating project management in their operations is therefore key to long-term competitiveness. In 2017, the World Bank published a document entitled, “Managing the Implementation of Development Projects”; essentially information and guidance on the fundamentals and complexities of project management for governments and business organisations. Much has been written about project management for multinationals and other conglomerates, but literature on this subject for the small firm sector, is limited. Owners of firms manage daily or weekly, different types of projects – some miniscule, others small to medium-scale. These projects consume resources of time, finance, labour, materials and equipment, as well as strategic capital. The lack of skills in project management, can have an adverse effect on a firm’s asset portfolio in terms of growth and orderly development. Firms that provide essential services in health, construction, vocational education, transport and logistics, catering, manufacturing and so forth, will have on their ‘delivery radar’, a range of projects they are bidding for. The project management cycle is quite elaborate, and it hinges around the type and scale of contract bidding. Firms must institute, systems of governance to protect the welfare of their staff as well as to offer assurances to external stakeholders of delivery according to project specification The project life cycle has basically 4 four stage

ward-wInnIng journalist, editor and publisher Dr Christopher Johnson writes his monthly column in The Phoenix aiming to inform, educate and entertain.

components: start, planning and organising, implementation and completion. Each phase demands a certain level of resource allocation to enable the entire project to be a success. At the initiation phase, it is incumbent upon project managers to have a clear idea of projects their organisations can administer and manage. A careful audit can provide information on levels of capability and capacity within the organisation to execute projects. Planning and organising are important stages of the process since their level of effectiveness and efficiency will also determine the performance or under-performance of contract delivery. In their execution of various objectives, also known as outputs (quantity) and outcomes (quality), organisations must realise the value of appropriate resource allocation; human financial and technical among others, is critical. Furthermore, it is advisable to have a clear picture of Project Management ‘Dos’ and ‘Don’ts’, as a safety measure.

Project Management Dos

• Clear ideas of projects. • A proper audit of your organisation. • Knowledge of skill sets. • Understanding corporate obligations is essential. • Experience of procurement and other contracting procedures. • Publish end of project evaluation reports.

Project Management Don’ts

• Don’t underestimate the workload in delivering projects. • Don’t take external stakeholders for granted even if you are familiar with them. • Don’t ignore signals in your organisation on poor or limited skills. • Don’t’ take project administration for granted. • Don’t under-value of social capital. • Don’t under-allocate resources for projects.

Health and Wellbeing Starts Page 38 Figure 1: Example of a Project Lifecyle Process

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The Phoenix Newspaper - July 2019 - Page 9

WINDRUSH CELEBRATION EVENTS

ollowing last year’s successful week of events to celebrate Windrush 70th, this year the Windrush1948Central, hosted a weekend of events in Birmingham following a very turbulent year for the Windrush Generation which has been plagued with the fallout from the Windrush Scandal. This year’s events, sponsored and supported by Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust for their continued support along with Victoria Mutual Building Society, com-

Windrush Day marked with weekend of celebrations menced with a Public Service Day and Family Fun Day at The Sport Hub, in Perry Barr, in Birmingham, for which there was an opening ceremony to mark Windrush Day with the Lord Mayor, Chief Constable, Police and crime Commissioner and other public figures in attendance. Following an ‘Elders Night’ at the Pannel Croft Retirement Village in Newtown, this was a day to celebrate the contribution of the first droves of the Windrush Generation in public service which includes the NHS Armed Forces and Emergency Services, plus a day of activities for the

whole family. Birmingham Lord Mayor, Cllr Mohammed Azim, said on the day: “Those people from the Windrush Generation, who rebuilt Britain after the war, did a fantastic job – which for so long was unrecognised. “I, for one, am hugely appreciative of the great efforts they made”. West Midlands’ Chief of Police, Dave Thomson, added: “Despite on-going prejudices, people from the Windrush Generation remained steadfast – right through to today. “The Windrush issues are far from over, so we fully back those who are grasping opportunities.

“There’s still a huge amount to look forward to”. Rounding off the weekend there was a special service of thanksgiving and commemoration, at The Assemblies of the First Born Church, in Lozells, in the city. Chair of the organiser’s The Right Reverend Dr. Desmond Jaddoo said: "This year’s events was the joining together of 7 organisations, which continues the legacy created by our elders, hence, demonstrating that the spirit of the Windrush Generation is alive and well and we had to take this opportunity to empower, educate, commemorate, give thanks and ensure that this rich contribution and legacy is never

forgotten. We also wish to thank Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust for their continued support along with Victoria Mutual Building Society". At the church service, he poignantly added: “Let today be the first day that we start educating our children – of all cultures”. The weekend celebrations was marked with a very special Gala Dinner and Ball at The Holte Suite at Aston Villa FC’s Villa Park for which the proceeds went to assisting those caught up in the long-standing Windrush Scandal.

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Page 10 - The Phoenix Newspaper - July 2019

25TH ANNUAL CONVOCATION OF THE BIRMINGHAM SOCIETY

Celebrating Th A Difference In Continued From Front Page

The Phoenix Newspaper was awarded with the ‘Patricia M. Purchase certificate’ – for its devotion to highlighting and promoting a diverse, multicultural Birmingham. “Receiving a Fellowship is absolutely massive”, de Redman proudly said. “And it’s for life. So, wear your badge with great pride”. “A Fellowship is a reflection of

l Past and Present: Former Young Brummie Of The Year Cameron Barrett congratulates the 2019 winner Jacques Pritchard The Birmingham Society are looking for input from Birmingham’s diverse communities for nominations of people from all backgrounds

the contribution made to the city of Birmingham and the impact they make in the city”, Miss E. Wardell, Chair of the Board of Governors added. After which, badges and certificates were given out to the select number of recipients especially recommended by the esteem Birmingham Society Board members in an equallyaustere presentation ceremony which

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The Phoenix Newspaper - July 2019 - Page 11

25TH ANNUAL CONVOCATION OF THE BIRMINGHAM SOCIETY

hose Making n Birmingham included Nura Ali Dhuhul. Also receiving deserved recognition for his outstanding contribution to making other people’s lives better in the city was Erdington schoolboy, Jacques Pritchard – who was presented with a certificate, and the George May Trophy for him being the ‘Young Brummie of the Year’. The afore-mentioned George May was the first Chair of the Board of Governors of The Birmingham Society.

Marcia McLaughlin went on to say “I am so grateful that the city of Birmingham, that I have spent my formative years in has recognised both the newspaper and myself for the work that we have been doing for Birmingham.” “We have dedicated our time to promoting Birmingham on an international stage, and breaking down the barriers between its many communities, where there shouldn’t be any.”

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EDUCATION, TRAINING AND RECRUITMENT

g n i t o Prom xcellence E

As part of our ongoing commitment to promoting the positive and inspirational individuals and organisations in our communities, The Phoenix Newspaper presents Promoting Excellence - a closer look at our role models, entrepreneurs, community figures and success stories.

Graduation Day For Mom, Dad, and Granddad!

T lity a u q High om r f e ld car child e years o fiv o t h t

bir

he culmination of their 30 long years of working to get their degrees while battling different challenges bared fruit for Shamir Taylor, wife Nyema and his father, combat vet and retired US Army Master Sergeant Raymond Richardson. What’s more they all graduated at the United States’ University of Maryland, University College on the same day. What’s more this was despite

Day Nursery

Nyema being diagnosed with breast cancer, which didn’t stop her as she was determined to get through it while in college. Graduating with a degree in graphic communication, which she hopes could help her with her clothing business, she said: “When I found out the news about my breast cancer, it really knocked me off my feet. “I felt defeated and deflated. And it was my husband and my family and my father in law….” who

Glittering start to graduate’s law career

en N Copm Birm ingoswoaot i n g Birmin ham B n to gham uB sines usinses Park s ! Park

g Takin ns ssio i m d a now For more information or to enquire about admissions visit:

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l University of Wolverhampton LPC graduate Sam Lane being presented with a Bronze Award by outgoing President of Birmingham Law Society, James Turner A University of Wolverhampton graduate has had a glittering start to his career after being recognised for his academic achievements by a leading law society. Sam Lane completed the Legal Practice course (LPC) with the University this year and has already secured a role as a Newly Qualified Solicitor at Irwin Mitchell Solicit-

ors in Birmingham after successfully completing his training contract at a regional firm. He was presented with the Birmingham Law Society’s Bronze Award at its recent AGM in recognition of his results and achievements at University. Sam, from Blakeshall, near Kinver, also won three Law School

helped her get through it. Richardson said: “It has been a really long journey for me. I’ve been at it over 30 years. But, it just goes to show you that you’re never too late to get an education.” “It’s one thing to be graduating and walking down the aisle,” Nyema said. “But to be walking with two of the most important people in my life, it’s just amazing.”

prizes at the University’s graduation ceremony in April. The three prizes were; Best PartTime Postgraduate Student on the LPC, Best Postgraduate Dissertation in Law and Best LPC student in Commercial Law. The 24-year-old will be specialising in Property Litigation under Tim Rayner at Irwin Mitchell from 1 July 2019 within their Real Estate Team. Sam said: “I am delighted to have received these academic prizes and had my hard work recognised. I can’t praise the University of Wolverhampton enough and thoroughly enjoyed my time there. I hope that in the future I am able to assist the next generation of law graduates.” Head of the University of Wolverhampton Law School, Sukhninder Panesar, said: “The Bronze Award presented to Sam demonstrates the high quality graduates that the Law School produces and is also testament to the hard work of all the staff teaching in the School. Winning this award in the region is also testament to the high quality legal education that the School offers for training lawyers of tomorrow. We are very proud of Sam's achievements.” Tim Rayner, partner at the Birmingham office of Irwin Mitchell and joint national head of Property disputes, said: “We look forward to welcoming Sam to the team here at Irwin Mitchell and we are delighted and proud of his superb achievements whilst completing his Legal Practice course at University.” Sam was presented with his Bronze Award by outgoing President of Birmingham Law Society, James Turner.

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The Phoenix Newspaper - July 2019 - Page 13

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND RECRUITMENT

M Student designing street wear influenced by knife crime

A Birmingham fashion student is producing protective street wear with aspirations of reducing the number of people falling victim to knife crime. Shelana Morton created the ‘Pierce Resistant’ gilet as part of her final year project at Birmingham City University’s School of Fashion and Textiles, after losing loved ones to knife crime. She said: “The driving force behind my garment came from the pain and suffocation I have felt over the years from having to say goodbye to family members and friends due to knife crime.” Her unisex gilet features a layer of ‘kevlar’, a protective fabric which forms part of uniforms worn by army, military and police officers which helps to prevent slash and puncture wounds. Shelana added: “Designing a garment that can appeal to everyone was very important to me, as being a victim of knife crime can unfortunately happen to anybody, anywhere and at any time”. As part of the design process, Shelana, 32, conducted focus groups with youngsters across the West Midlands. “An 11 year-old told me that my gilet garment could save his life,” she said. “What world do we live in when a child as young as 11 is saying that?” 690 children aged under-17 were attacked or threatened with a knife in the West Midlands in 2018. Thirteen of the victims were just 10 years old. “I want to be able to let go of the constant fear and anxiety I have for my loved ones, wondering if they are safe”, Shelana said. The hood of the fashion student’s sleeveless jacket includes phrases ‘Protect yourself with language not violence’, ‘Value your life’ and ‘Do you want to live with blood on your hands?’.

arking International Women in Engineering Day (INWED) HS2 Ltd produced a short film which subverts the stereotype of what an engineer looks like, challenging the out-dated masculine preconceptions of an industry that is rapidly becoming more gender-inclusive. The short film stars Clara Lenzi, a Project Management apprentice at Britain’s new high speed railway and was filmed on location at the future location of HS2’s super-hub at Old Oak Common. Demolition of the former sheds at the one-kilometre long site in London is now well underway, ready for construction of what will be one of the best connected rail stations in the country. Currently, the number of female professional engineers in the UK is around 12 per cent, which is the lowest in Europe. However, 30,000 people will play a role in designing and delivering the new backbone to Britain’s railway, and HS2 is making steps to ensure that local people, under-represented and disadvantaged groups are among them, which in turn is helping to reduce gender disparities within the industry. Mark Lomas, Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) at HS2 Ltd, said: “From procurement to training, inclusivity is at the heart of all that we do. “Initiatives such as the establishment of a Gender Balance Network and a blind auditioning pilot have seen HS2 recognised this year as the number one gender-inclusive employer by Vercida for our approach to tackling these inequalities.” As part of its drive to encourage more women to consider a career in the construction industry, HS2 Ltd has worked in partnership to deliver a six-week pilot employability programme in the West Midlands. Fifteen women signed up to the programme and two have already been offered full time positions within the construction industry ahead of their placements finishing next week. Clara Lenzi from London was keen to spearhead HS2’s INWED

Schools seek new Erdington based Governors Could you bring your skills and experience to a leading multi-academy trust? Do you want to ‘give something back’ and transform the lives and futures of children and young people? The Arthur Terry Learning Partnership is looking to strengthen the partnership with the appointment of dedicated and high-calibre professionals to join their Local Governing Bodies across 14 schools. They are particularly keen to hear

Future face of engineering at HS2 revealed

Good-rated school is "aspirational for all pupils" A "caring and inclusive" Blakenhall school has been rated Good by Ofsted. Inspector Kirsty Foulkes visited St Luke's Church of England Aided Primary last term and found its leadership team have "maintained the good quality of education" at the Park Street South school. She said that Headteacher Alison Grennan and her team have created "a caring and inclusive school where pupils are happy and confident and value their education". She found that a "sense of community and nurture of the child and their family fills the school", with parents full of praise for St Luke's. Staff say they are proud to be part of the school community, and agree that it has a culture which "encourages calm and orderly conduct and is aspirational for all pupils".

l Future face of engineering - Clara Lenzi, Project Management apprentice, HS2 Ltd campaign as she attributes the new railway’s role in attracting more women into traditionally male-dominated sectors as a reason for joining the project. Gaining two years’ experience, in addition to a qualification, has helped the 21-year-old build her skills to progress in the industry, an advantage she feels she has on those coming straight from university. HS2 Ltd Project Management apprentice, Clara, said: “I am proud to be one of many apprentices working for HS2 who are women. “At HS2 I’ve been given lots of responsibility, which has aided my progression and success as a Project Manager and allowed me to build invaluable relationships within the workplace. I am learning from some of the most experienced people in the industry.” She is one over 320 apprentices who have supported HS2

from potential Governors from Erdington, in Birmingham, where they run three Ofsted rated ‘Good’ schools: Brookvale and Slade primaries and Stockland Green secondary school. The ATLP is a respected and values-driven MAT serving 10,000 students, staff and governors, with an excellent track record of sustainable school improvement and a distinct model of education delivery and support that puts children at the heart of everything we do. They are looking for community-minded individuals with talent and expertise and a commitment to raising standards and improving performance, to give children and young people the very best education possible. These are rewarding volunteer roles, with the significant opportunity to make a lasting impact on the communities they serve. They welcome a wide-range of applications to reflect the diversity of the schools.

since Royal Assent was granted in 2017 on Phase One of the railway between Birmingham and London.

The most recent intake of apprentices working at HS2 Ltd was 43 per cent female.

TUE 16 - SAT 20 JUL 0844 338 5000* birminghamhippodrome.com *Calls cost 4.5p per min plus access charge.

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WOMAN OF EXCELLENCE

s the Sales & Customer Service Manager at Orega Birmingham, Caron Salter-Hill is no stranger to hard work, and for the 63 year old who shows no signs of slowing down just yet, hard work and dedication are exactly what got her to where she is today. Caron is the 4th of 5 children of a Jamaican father, who came to the UK via the RAF during the war, and a Jamaican mother, who joined her father in the UK after living with Caron’s 3 sisters in the USA. “They met in Jamaica, got married there and had 3 children, then the war happened,” explained Caron, fondly remembering their story. “They settled in Moseley after the war, then I came along, and 5 years later my brother was born, although we lost my middle sister in 2005.” There was a strong work ethic instilled in the whole family from day one, with Caron’s sisters taking positions abroad; one as a pharmacist in Canada, and one recently retired as a district attorney in the USA. Her brother ran his own company, and her late sister worked in local government through the School Library Service her whole life. From the age of 3 until 16, ballet was Caron’s life, and she had aspirations to teach ballet and have her own ballet school, however “things change, and I grew up a little bit.” “I went to Bournville Tech and

A Role Model For All, Leading By Example Matthew Boulton College, and took business studies with secretarial qualifications in shorthand and typing, before taking a position at the council in the Architects department.” Caron then fell pregnant with her son, and spent a year with him at home before deciding she had

to get back into work, but wanted something completely different. Taking a job with Securicor, she started in the Transport division as an Admin Clerk before working her way up to middle management. “They had great training facilities and personal development there, and as my first senior role I

was managing a business administration section of 42 people.” “75% of the employees were female, and the experience I gained from that was phenomenal, working as a manager, mother and dealing with office politics. On Fridays my door was always open if anyone needed help, or to talk, and I never got anything done on a Friday except that!” After 12 years with Securicor, they split their operations into North and South, and the Midlands was completely knocked out, resulting in redundancy. “I wanted to stay in the transport industry, and Parceline, now DPD, came knocking.” The director got in touch with Caron directly, and admitted that although he wanted to hire her, he didn’t know where to put her due to her expansive experience and knowledge. He settled on a department that Caron had never worked in before – Sales. “Instantly I was like no no no, definitely not! I wasn’t trained and my skill was always training and people management. But I needed the job, so I gave it a shot, you never know where things are going to take you!” Starting in Internal Sales, making appointments for other people, Caron found she quite enjoyed the job, and after a couple of months, she was given a set of car keys to “run in” a new car for the director. “Every week for nearly a month I kept going back asking him when he wanted the car back and eventually he sat me down and told me that he didn’t want it back, but he gave me a list of people and places, and I was to take the car to go see them all, essentially being field sales.” After another initial bout of self doubt and worry, Caron took the bull by the horns, and never looked back, doing field sales for 2 years in her own territory, before she was headhunted by TNT, who were huge on personal development, and Caron took full advantage.

Spending 11 years at TNT, working her way up to Sales Manager of the East Midlands team, and eventually taking on Birmingham as well, she was headhunted once again, this time the UK Sales of Marketing Director of TNT took 9 managers with him over to Regus. While at Regus Caron wanted to do more with one of her passions, interior design, and completed a City & Guilds qualification with a high merit with a home study course with an Interior Design Academy. Headhunted once again while at Regus, by Target Space based at Baskerville House , she spent 4 years there until they redeveloped Baskerville House and sold it. By this time, Orega had approached her. “Orega is in all major cities around the UK, and the business is growing. It works in partnership with all the landlords. It’s a great business, desire for people who want flexibility with their office space, or if they just want flexible space on a short term basis.” The team that Caron manages at Orega Birmingham is a young team, and they’re learning a lot, with Caron leading by example. “I want to develop my team so that

they can get to a level that they want to stay with Orega and further their careers. It’s great to be able to lead, teach and pass on my experiences.” Although she has been successful throughout her career, Caron said that thankfully she has only really had 2 experiences of racism during her time in business. “One man wouldn’t shake my hand because he was racist, and told me as much, and another was sacked the same day for how she had treated me after I visited the company on an appointment.” “I was brought up with very strong family beliefs, and a strong work ethic through a long line of strong black women, but it has never been easy. These are things that I’ve instilled in my own son, my son has instilled in my grandchildren, and my great-grandson who is only 3 months old now will have instilled in him too.” “Fight for what you want, it’s important to fight for your dreams,” says Caron, “It’s not been easy pushing through those barriers, and there are people who will continually knock you down, but you need to get back up every time, it’ll make you stronger.” Caron truly is an inspiration, both to her family and her team, and after reading her story, we’re sure she’ll be an inspiration to many of our readers too.

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The Phoenix Newspaper - July 2019 - Page 15

Music fashion Film Gadgets holiday education health and fitness

JULY 2019

/streetcredmagazine www.streetcredmagazine.com

Stormzy Takes Glasto By Storm

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ENTERTAINMENT

www.streetcredmagazine.com

THE HOTTEST ENTERTAINMENT SUPPLEMENT

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www.streetcredmagazine.com

Stormzy’s storming history-breaking performance at Glastonbury

s music and politics intertwined on what was an inspirational and history-making day at Glastonbury, Stormzy’s iconic performance at this year’s record-breaking festival had them singing his praises from as wide a field as; from the streets, to the Houses of Parliament. Breaking the record as the

first headline show by a Black solo British artist, he broke down the very barriers that, in this the twenty-first century, should never be anywhere near ‘up’. Hailed by the likes of Wiley - cited as being the ‘the godfather of grime – superstar actors and multi-award winning fellow-music icons, Labour MP David Lammy, and, indeed, the party’s leader, Jeremy

Corbyn, his appearance on the Pyramid stage proved phenomenal Multi-award winning Ed Sheeran called Stormz “an inspiration”. On social media he posted: ‘First Black British solo artist to headline Glastonbury, second youngest to ever headline, and just an inspiration to so many. This is just the start, congrats big Mike, looking forward to see you do more

achievements like this.’ Sheeran’s 2017 hit ‘Shape of You’ was performed by Stormzy on the day. ‘Game of Throne’s star Jacob Anderson, who made a surprise appearance under his musician’s name of Raleigh Ritchie, said Stormzy was “an icon”, whilst Grammy-award winning singer Adele said on Instagram: “I’m so proud of him, Stormzy just monument-

ally headlined Glastonbury in his own right with one album!! The first Grime artist ever to do so, you respected everyone that opened the door for you whilst opening a huge one yourself.” An iconic, history-breaking performance that, deep into the 21st century may open the doors for the wealth of UK Black talent bursting to get their long, well-overdue ‘props.

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The Phoenix Newspaper - July 2019 - Page 17

ENTERTAINMENT

www.streetcredmagazine.com

F Legend, Burton, honoured on prestigious Awards night A true rock legend received a coveted ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ at the Birmingham Music Awards. Trevor Burton, co-founder of iconic sixties band The Move collect his award at The Mill, in Digbeth, in a room full with the city’s music community. The Move, Birmingham’s first supergroup, was formed when a young David Bowie asked Trevor to rally Brum’s finest musicians and head to London to play. Burton had taught himself to play guitar as a boy, fast becoming one of the most accomplished musicians in the city, joining Danny King and the Mayfair Set aged just fifteen, then moving to London with Roy Wood, Bev Bevan, Carl Wayne and Ace Kefford. The Move went on to achieve nine Top Ten hits including ‘Flowers in the Rain,’ the first single ever played on Radio One. When Trevor left, in 1969, he formed another supergroup, Balls, then toured with the Raymond

Froggatt Band, international stars on the country and western scene and The Steve Gibbons Band, before touring the USA supporting The Who. On first learning about the Award, Trevor said: “I have had a fantastic career and a lifetime of rock and roll; I’ve enjoyed every single minute. Receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award in my hometown is a real honour”. Bevan, drummer with The Move and ELO, added: “Trevor is an incredible blues guitarest. After The Move he played alongside Jimi Hendrix and many other great stars. We are all delighted he has been given the highest of accolades. “No-one is more deserving.” The Birmingham Music Awards is an annual search for the brightest and best musicians/music industry professionals with judging carried out by a panel of industry professionals, all with an impressive track record in the business.

ollowing the sell-out success of this year’s critically acclaimed adaptation of Malorie Blackman’s Noughts and Crosses, the Belgrade Theatre and Pilot Theatre have once again teamed up with Derby Theatre and York Theatre Royal to present the world stage premiere of Crongton Knights. Based on Alex Wheatle’s Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize-winning young adult novel, this new adaptation by Emteaz Hussain will open at the Belgrade Theatre 8-22 February 2020 ahead of a UK tour, and will be the second of four co-productions to be developed through a new consortium project, set up by the Belgrade Theatre, Pilot Theatre, Derby Theatre, York Theatre Royal and the Mercury Theatre Colchester to create theatre for younger audiences. The show will be co-directed by Pilot Theatre Artistic Director Esther Richardson (director of Noughts and Crosses) and Strictly Arts Artistic Director Corey Campbell (behind the award-winning drama Freeman), who has recently been announced as one of three Creative Leads who will take over the Belgrade’s home-produced programme for Coventry’s year as City of Culture in 2021. First published in 2017, Crongton Knights tells the story of a group of teenagers living in a fictionalised version of South London, where territorial lines are dangerous to cross. Life isn’t easy on the Crongton Estate, but when the magnificent six set out to help a friend in trouble, much larger problems come their way. Although, with the help of a few good friends nothing is impossible, and lessons learned the hard way are ones you’ll never forget. That’s when a crew becomes a family. Born in London to Jamaican parents, Alex Wheatle’s first book, Brixton Rock (1999), told the story of a 16-year old boy of mixed race in 1980s

Alex Wheatle’s Crongton Knights makes its stage premiere at the Belgrade Theatre

Brixton. The novel was subsequently adapted for the stage and performed at the Young Vic in 2010. Its sequel, Brenton Brown, was published in 2011. His other novels include East of Acre Lane (2001), which won a London Arts Board New Writers Award. A prequel, Island Songs, set in Jamaica, was published in 2005, followed by a sequel, Dirty South, in 2008. In 2010, he wrote and toured the one-man autobiographical

performance, Uprising. His play, Shame & Scandal, had its debut at the Albany Theatre, Deptford in October 2015. He was awarded an MBE for services to literature in 2008. Alex Wheatle said: “I am very proud that Pilot Theatre are adapting my novel, Crongton Knights, for the stage. It’s a modern quest story where on their journey, the young, diverse lead characters have to confront debt, poverty, black-

mail, loss, fear, the trauma of a flight from a foreign land and the omnipresent threat of gangland violence. “The dialogue I created for this award-winning novel deserves a platform and I for one can’t wait to see the characters that have lived in my head for a number of years, leap out of my mind and onto a stage near you.”

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Page 18 - The Phoenix Newspaper - July 2019

NOMINATIONS ARE OPEN Windrush Award 2019

Leadership And Empowerment Award 2019

Business Of The Year Award 2019

International Excellence Award 2019

Street Cred Next Generation Award 2019

Charity Of The Year Award 2019

Veteran Award 2019

Championing Diversity Award 2019

Entrepreneur Of The Year Award 2019

Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Choice Award 2019

Community Engagement Award 2019 If you want to nominate someone for an award at The Phoenix Newspaper 9th Anniversary Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony, simply follow the instructions below. 1) Send an email to

3) A brief explanation as to why you are nominating nominations@thephoenixnewspaper.com them 2) Include the name of your nominee and the Award 4) A contact number and/or email address for your that you are nominating them for. nominee

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The Phoenix Newspaper - July 2019 - Page 19

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ENTERTAINMENT

www.streetcredmagazine.com www.streetcredmagazine.com

l Start Up of the Year - Fluoro Tech ltd

t was another stellar year to celebrate as the very best in predominantly Asian-led businesses and organisations as, again, the Nachural Summer Business Ball and Awards, sponsored by Investec Wealth & Investment highlighted the work of those who have produced cutting edge thinking, whilst driving the professional market forward in the West Midlands – and further afield. Hosted by the as always amiable, effervescent and very funny BBC Asian Network’s Tommy Sandhu, the prestigious annual black-tie event – held at Dunstall Racecourse, in

l Diversity and Inclusion - Barclays

l Promoting Apprenticeships - In Comm Training

l Community Excellence - James Wong

l SME of the Year - Dunton Environmental

l Lifetime Achievement - Stewart Towe

Wolverhampton – again was in place to reward those at the top of their game. In front of some 500 specially invited guests – including Special Guest on the night, England cricketer Monty Panesar - an array of specially selected movers and shakers involved in the wealth creation process marked the impact made by those who present, with surviving Brexit again high on the gender. Signature Awards founder, Ninder Johal, Deputy Lieutenant of the West Midlands and CEO of the Natural Group Limited, opened proceedings, which was in support of Midlands-based

charity Acorns Children’s Hospice, saying: “Businesses are continuing to prove to be resilient during these turbulent times with the latest trade figure confirming that. “I’ve been doing this for 10 years now. “Tonight is all about giving out awards and raising awareness of our charity. “This ceremony”, he

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The Phoenix Newspaper - July 2019 - Page 21

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ENTERTAINMENT

l Customer Service of the Year - Lakeside Active Health Club

continued, “is a symbol of the confidence we have in Midlands industry. “The world is more connected than ever before. There are changes all over”, he said. “Private and public sectors are working more together as people are creating the wealth – not the politicians. Businesses are thriving on opportunity and endeavour”.

“The Queen might have the crown jewels”, said Senior Investment Director Martin Lord, “but we have the ‘jewel in the crown’ in Ninder”. A sentiment shared by all in the room on the night. Acorns Children’s Hospice chief executive, Toby Porter, was also thankful for the platform given to the charity on the night saying; “We can only support people if you support us”, before giving away much sought after England v India ICC World Cup tickets for the match that took place at Edgbaston that following weekend. A cornerstone in recognising people who go above and beyond to improving the

region’s economy, business leaders, community groups, volunteers, teachers and the like were duly rewarded for their ‘game-changing’ actions and activities in improving theirs, and others, lot. “For us to rise above any Brexit fears”, Johal said, “the ‘secret’ is for private and public sectors to work together – and for people to continue creating their own wealth to then thrive on the opportunities that are available and the endeavours they endure”. Setting the mood for what was yet another unforgettable night, all was set-fair for the Nachural Summer Business Ball & Awards.

l Business Women of the Year - Farhana Sheikh and Amina Hussain

l International/Enterprise and Innovation - Bowman Stor

l Business of the Year - TPL Media

l Business Person of the Year - Jaya Nayyar

l Entrepreneur of the Year - Mark O Sullivan

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ENTERTAINMENT

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The Be At One Band raises £2000 for Help Musicians UK

he Be At One Band has raised £2000 for Help Musicians UK. The group has been touring the UK performing at a number of Be At One bars, raising money for the charity. Following an online call, the band was formed, and then rehearsed with trained choreographers and a sound coach ahead of its UK tour. From ‘Don’t Stop Believing’ to ‘Sister Act’, the choir performed at Be At One Hammersmith, Birmingham and Liverpool. Suzanne Baker, Commercial Director of Stonegate Pub Company, said: “It is fantastic that the Be At

One Band has fundraised so much for Help Musicians UK and they have had fun along the way. It is such a wonderful cause and it has been great to showcase the amazing talent of some of our customers.” Director of Fundraising of Help Musicians, Belinda Dee, said: “We at Help Musicians would like to thank Be At One and everyone involved in the choir for donating their time to fundraise and for making this very generous donation, which will allow us to continue doing our vital work for musicians in need. “For almost a hundred years, Help Musicians has been provid-

ing a broad spectrum of help, support and opportunities to empower musicians of all ages, genres and at any stage of their career, from times of great need to times of opportunity. We appreciate that the nature of a musician’s life can be precarious, with many complex challenges that can leave them uniquely vulnerable. 2018 saw a larger than ever demand for our services across both creative development and health and welfare and thanks to the generous support of donations, we can continue to make a meaningful difference to the lives of musicians.”

Summer Southsi blasts off in space for th year’s fr family festiv

o celebrate 50 years since the first moon landing, Birmingham Hippodrome and surrounding areas will be transformed into a lunar landscape for the whole weekend. Birmingham Hippodrome’s free twoday family festival ‘Summer in Southside’ will take place on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 July 2019. This year the festival will explore the spectacle and wonder of

Outer Space, complete with Luke Jerram’s Museum of the Moon, a stunning seven meter model with detailed NASA imagery of the lunar surface. Visitors will have the chance to see Hippodrome Associate Company Motionhouse perform its remarkable dance piece ‘Gravity’ and witness Highly Sprung’s walkabout physical performance featuring an astronaut suspended 20 feet in the air using a flying machine.

They can also see an asteroid crash land in Southside and watch as scientific police explore the aftermath. Other extra-terrestrial guests include alien-like i-Puppets and Ljud’s The Invasion, a roaming performance telling the story of intergalactic immigrants who have accidentally landed on Earth. Festival-goers can take a seat in the Astronaut’s Caravan, which uses a unique optical illusion to create a gravity defying sensory

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ENTERTAINMENT

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a rainbow of colour to Birmingham Hippodrome

r in ide nto his ree val experience and Royal Birmingham Conservatoire’s sci-fi tunes will create an astronomical atmosphere. Elsewhere over the weekend, Birmingham Hippodrome has teamed up with Bullring & Grand Central for Summer in the City as part of Summer in Southside. During Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 July, visitors to the centre will be able to enjoy various performances in Rotunda Square. The Dream Engine’s ‘Heliosphere’ will see a seemingly weightless acrobat suspended beneath a helium balloon spiralling and spinning, while Mind the Gap’s interactive performance ‘Mirror Mirror’ will see two robotic creatures from a far-off land exploring their newly found planet and mirroring their findings. Meet Silent Rocco’s ‘Lostronaut’ who will bring his stunning low gravity performance to Earth, as seen on the semi-finals of Italy’s Got Talent 2019. Gobbledegook Theatre will transform a space by the Bull into a cloud gazing area, inviting

The classic family musical, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat returns to Birmingham Hippodrome next month from Tuesday 2 – Saturday 13 July. Following rave reviews playing the title role in Birmingham Hippodrome’s spectacular pantomime, Peter Pan, Union J star, Jaymi Hensley will return to the theatre in the lead role of Joseph. Jaymi Hensley, a member of 2013’s BBC ‘British Breakthrough Band’ of the year, will don the Technicolor Dreamcoat in his first role in a major musical. Having risen

people to look up at the sky while the theatre company perform a creative monologue about space, the clouds, the sky and beyond. Everyone’s welcome at Birmingham Hippodrome and the theatre aims to make as many of its events and performances easily accessible. For any additional needs, there will be an Access Hub in front of the theatre’s main entrance during the festival and many performances will be audio described and

signed. Recruit your space-crew and blast off into the galaxy this summer at Birmingham Hippodrome’s annual free family festival. ‘Summer in Southside’, a Birmingham Hippodrome Project is supported by Arts Council England, Global Streets, Without Walls and sponsored by Southside BID, The Arcadian and Darwin Escapes.

to fame on The X Factor, Union J went on to have a top ten album and a major UK tour and Jaymi later appeared on a number of hit TV shows, including Celebrity Masterchef (BBC One). Commenting on his upcoming role, Jaymi Hensley said; “I cannot describe how excited and honoured I am to be stepping into the prestigious coloured coat! When I think of iconic roles in musical theatre, Joseph was always one that I dreamt of playing growing up! And to finally say that I am going to play it is a “dream” come true! I cannot wait to meet all of the loyal Joseph

Fans and bring you my take of this amazing dream role.” Full of life and colour, the magical musical features unforgettable and timeless songs including Go, Go, Go Joseph, Any Dream Will Do, and Close Every Door. Retelling the Biblical story of Joseph, his eleven brothers and the coat of many colours, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is the first of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musicals to be performed publicly. Seen by an estimated 26 million people, Joseph continues to enthral audiences around the world.

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ENTERTAINMENT

The Phantom of the Opera

Andrew Lloyd Webber and Cameron Mackintosh are delighted to announce that the UK and Ireland tour of the brilliant original production of The Phantom of the Opera will come to Birmingham Hippodrome from 29 July – 12 September 2020. Tickets will go on sale to Birmingham Hippodrome Friends and Patron scheme members on Tuesday 10 September at 11am. Now in its 33rd phenomenal year in the West End, The Phantom of the Opera is widely considered one of the most beautiful and spectacular productions in history. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s romantic, haunting and soaring score includes Music of the Night, All I Ask of You, Masquerade and the iconic title song.

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BAFTA award-winning CBeebies TV show to visit Birmingham REP

he smash-hit ‘In the Night Garden Live’ will be at The Birmingham Repertory Theatre this summer on its firstever UK tour. This brand new show will take audiences on a spectacular journey into the magical world of ‘In the Night Garden’, as the enchanting characters from the UK’s favourite family show are brought to life on stage from 31 July – 4 August. It also promises a world first, as the Pinky Ponk Air Orb soars over the heads of audiences – the first time an effect like this has been used in theatres anywhere in the UK. This amazing new 2.5 metre long flying Pinky Ponk uses cutting-edge, patented aerodynamic technology pioneered by the specialist German company, Airstage, who have designed and built similar Air Orbs all over the world, including for the opening ceremony of the London 2012

l All the favourite characters from In The Night Garden Olympics and the Radio City Musical Hall Christmas Spectacular in New York. Executive Producer Oliver Seadon said: “We’ve toured In the Night Garden Live in our own venue for the last ten years and audiences always felt like they were being transported into the Night Garden. “We knew that when we brought the show into theatres for the first time we had to do something magical for our little fans and their families. What better way than to take the Night Garden literally

into the auditorium in the form of this incredible flying Pinky Ponk? “If the toddlers in the audiences are half as excited as I was about seeing it for the first time, it’s going to be such a special experience.” Directed by acclaimed Royal Ballet choreographer and director Will Tuckett, this delightful classic, which premiered in 2010 before becoming a summer entertainment fixture, is a firm favourite with pre-schoolers and their parents.

l Leee John

Leee John wows The Jam House He was a member of the legendary platinum, gold, and silver album-winning group Imagination, and with over 30 years of relentless success lead singer Leee John brought back fond memories of to a packed audience with a very special intimate live performance at Birmingham’s Jam House. With hit singles such as ‘Body Talk’, ‘Just An Illusion’, ‘Flashback’, ‘Music and Lights’, and ‘Changes’ amongst much more bringing smiles, laughter and tears to all who attended. As the leading protagonists of the booming Brit-Funk/Pop music scene of the 1980s, and with a remarkable career spanning over 3 decades and record sales in excess of over 30 million albums,

l Support Act Shiraz

Leee, who looks nothing of his 61 years, proved to be a beaming light as, from start to finish, he spanned his remarkable career in the music industry with the same vim and vigour as he did way back when. The Jam House was ‘JAMMING!’ Supporting Leee John on the night was Kidderminster singer-songwriter Shiraz, who brought her own style of RnB/ neo soul to what was a very appreciative crowd. “It was a blast to be back in Birmingham”, Leee said as he was set for a worldwide tour, performing at some of the top soul and roots festivals in France, Ibiza and St Lucia. It was great to see him back!

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Spice-mania returns!

By Mandip Singh Taunque

pice-mania returned in spectacular style when the Spice Girls comprising Scary (Mel B), Baby (Emma Bunton), Sporty (Mel C) and Ginger (Geri Horner, formally known as Geri Halliwell) returned to the stage for a 13-date stadium tour across the UK and Ireland performing to nearly 700,000 fans in May and June.

Supported by Jess Glynne across all 13 dates, the Spice Girls bought back the magic that originally took to them to epic stardom in the late 90s and it couldn’t have been timed better. The UK is in limbo with constant talks about Brexit, the resignation of Teresa May as Prime minister and not to mention the constant rainfall of late so this country needed to bring some Spice back in all our lives and the Spice Girls surpassed all expectations.

l Geri in a homage to her Union Jack dress

They reminded us why they are the biggest selling girl group of all time selling over 80 million records world-wide. This wasn’t just a series of concerts, this was a celebration of British popular culture at its finest. The Spice Girls opened with their number 1 classic ‘Spice Up Your Life’ and the party continued with a selection of tracks from their first two albums as well as number 1 hits ‘Who Do You think You Are’ and ‘Holler’. They slowed things down three further number 1 ballads ‘Viva Forever’, ‘Let Love Lead The Way’ and ‘Goodbye’. Their vocals were on point and they bought the fun back with their own personalities and we fell in love with them all over again. A poignant moment during their final Wembley concert was during their performance of their well-loved track ‘Mama’ where they were joined on stage by their children and their mothers. The party continued with more hits and ballads including ‘Say You’ll Be There’, ‘Stop’, and ‘2 become 1’ before the defining track of their career – ‘Wannabe’ – the biggest selling song by a girl group. The crowd went wild and it was like we had gone back in time to 1996 when it first got to number 1. There were tears with Emma and Mel C getting emotional.

ENTERTAINMENT

l Geri and Emma l The Spice Girls wowed audiences with a high octane show Geri finally apologised to fans for leaving in 1998. She said “I need to say something I should have said a long time ago. I'm sorry. “I'm sorry I left. I was just being a brat. It is so good to be back with the girls that I love.” – We forgive you Geri. The Spice Girls weren’t just a pop group – they represented us all as kids – they helped teach us to be who we are and to support each other. They also made us feel equal regardless of gender, race, sexuality and importantly no matter how we look or our size. During a video montage in the show Mel C reminded us that

girl power is also about women supporting each other much to great cheers by the crowd. The concert attracted many A-Listers including Oscarwinning actress Emma Stone, actress Lilly James, rock group ‘Haim’, mega star Sam Smith and one of their most famous fans – Adele who has always acknowledged the Spice Girls as big influences in her life. Childhood pictures show her bedroom covered with Spice Girls posters and now 23 years later she becomes one of the biggest British female singers of all time. On her Instagram post she said “Tonight with my nearest and dearest I cried, laughed, screamed,

danced, reminisced and fell back in love with my 10 year old self. “It’s no secret how much I love them, how much they inspired me to run for my life and never look back…”” So what’s next? Rumours are abound with the ladies taking the show on a world tour with Mel B stating Australia is on the cards and with North and South American fans travelling around the world to come to the British shows it would seem a World Tour would stop there too. The big news is a Spice Girls superhero animation featuring all FIVE spice girls – yes you read that right - Sporty, Baby, Ginger, Scary AND Posh – Victoria Beckham, are all said to be involved. The future looks bright – the future looks Spice.

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ENTERTAINMENT

Producing Out Of This World Content

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f there was a way to quantify the passion that someone has for a particular topic, then Garry Armstrong of Alien Muzik would be overflowing with it. From the tender age of 11, Garry has been creating music, mainly in his beloved genres of Grime and Trap, the music he predominantly listened to growing up, but also across a multitude of musical styles and genres. “I always excelled in music, while I was average in everything else,” Garry said with a glint in his eye, “It has always been my passion and what I do in all of my free time. “Before I even started putting my work out there for general consumption, I produced tracks for only myself for years. I’d just pop it on my own MP3 player, and listen to it during my commute. “After being told at an early Connexions meeting at school that music wasn’t a realistic career path, and being told to study Electrical Installation or Plumbing instead, I had done just that, taking Electrical Installation and Motor Vehicle Mechanics at Dudley College.” It was only when a friend happened to listen to one of his tracks and really instil in him that it was good, that he even thought about making something more of

l Garry at work in his studio what he did. Garry produces, mixes and masters all of his own tracks, and is always on the lookout for new talent to work with, having done music for YouTube Channels and events, as well as having his tracks played by DJ’s on Mode FM among others. The self-taught 30 year old from Birmingham has always had “can do” and “why not?” attitudes throughout his life, which have served him well, especially during his first foray into the industry. Through a mutual connection, Garry was put in touch with Big Mikey, a Birmingham Grime DJ who played his work on his radio show at the time. “While I got quite far quite quickly, at the time I got disillusioned as the people

coming to me were just asking for “a track that sounds like this popular track” and I never really got to flex my creativity.” “I missed doing something that I loved. I’m a bit older now, hopefully a bit wiser too, and I know that if I’m more structured and committed to it, I can do far more than I did.” Alien Muzik is now a limited company, and Garry is in the process of getting it set up and trademarked correctly. “While I’ve mainly dabbled in Grime and Trap music, I’m not scared of working in other areas of music, nor do I feel it would tarnish my reputation if I did, if anything it would strengthen it through my diversity.” Garry puts out packs of beats every month to his mailing list, enabling DJ’s and MC’s alike to cherry pick through his work and

Sir Lenny brings brand new tour to Wolverhampton The legendary Sir Lenny Henry PhD will embark on a brand new UK tour this autumn visiting Wolverhampton Grand Theatre in November. Following the October publication of his memoir, Lenny will travel the length, breadth and width of the country with ‘An Evening With Lenny Henry - Who Am I, Again?’ In part one of the show, Sir Lenny will take the audience through a jam session of stories both funny and sad - triggered when writing his memoir - from growing up in the Black Country, puberty, school, friendship, family secrets and unashamed racism. With his mother's mantra of 'H'integration' echoing in his ears, Sir Lenny will recount

setting out on his roller coaster ride of a career - but at every stage wondering: Am I good enough? Is this what they want. In part two, Sir Lenny will be interviewed by friend, broadcaster and author Jon Canter, for further insights into his life and career, followed by

use what sounds good to them. “At the end of the day, if I can drive back from work and listen to a piece of my music in the car then I’m proud, because when it comes down to it, I’m doing it for me, and for the love of what I do, if I get anything else out of it then it’s a win!” From instrumentals and backing tracks, to collaborating with the latest up and coming talent, Alien Muzik is your one stop shop for music production, so if you’re interested, check him out on his socials below, or if you’re an MC, rapper, singer, musician or artist, get in touch as Garry and Alien Muzik would love to hear from you and get collaborating as soon as possible. Twitter @_AlienMuzik, Facebook - Alien Muzik, Soundcloud – AlienMuzikUK, Instagram - @_AlienMuzik questions from the audience. Come and enjoy these honest and tender stories, told with a glorious sense of humour and help Lenny figure out ‘Who Am I Again?' Sir Lenny said: “I’m looking forward to travelling around and telling these stories. Writing the book was a huge feat and I’m very proud of it - I can’t wait to share more stories and fun about growing up in the Midlands, my early days in the clubs, pubs and discotheques and of course working on Tiswas, Three of a Kind and The Lenny Henry Show. The show promises to be an evening of memories, laughter and fun - I can’t wait to get started.” He has been a comedian since the age of 16. He has risen from being a cult star on children's television to one of Britain's best-known and most celebrated comedians, as well as a writer, radio DJ, TV presenter, co-founder of Comic Relief, and an award-winning actor. He has a PhD in Media Arts, and in 2015 was awarded a knighthood for services to charity and drama.

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ENTERTAINMENT

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New Pink Indian film wave Lands in Birmingham With the decriminalisation of homosexuality in India last year, there is a ‘pink tsunami’ of LGBTQ+ themes in mainstream and independent Indian films that are rolling into the international film festival circuit this year. These fresh narratives and the new film-makers had a unique showcase at the Birmingham Indian Film Festival presented by LIFF, the UK and Europe’s largest South Asian film festival, which will premiere a dedicated programme of entertaining and thought-provoking LGBTQ+ films that explore transgender, gay and lesbian identities; the many challenges facing them today; but also growing empowerment and fierce pride. The festival took place during Pride month, celebrating its milestone 5th anniversary in the city, and ran from 21st June to 1st July across five venues. Highlights of Birmingham Indian Film Festival 2019’s

LGBTQ+ curation include the Midlands premiere of Kattumaram (Catamaran) (2019, Dir. Swarnavel Eswaran, Tamil with English subtitles). Part of what appears to be a new Tamilian cinema movement from South India, Kattumaram tells of patriarch Singaram and his orphaned niece Anan, fisher-folk survivors of the Tsunami. The diverse community includes a local bearded transvestite fisherman who beautiful Anan forms a bond of trust with. Anan teaches in the local school and has many men interested in her, but she instead secretly falls for a new female supply teacher. As Singaram finds out and tries to come to terms with this revelation, gossip about the young women’s relationship quickly spreads. Singaram is left facing the choice of either defending his beloved niece and her partner or giving sway to the demands of an angry community.

Muse Ready To Rock The World Stage Again

use have announced three UK live dates for September 2019, including a date at Arena Birmingham on 17 September. Having recently completed a run of sold out stadium shows in the UK which saw them headline the London Stadium, Bris-

Gig Listings

BIRMINGHAM O2 ACADEMY

July 05 Catapult Club ft. After Midnight 06 SoundWaves Music Competition - The Final 13 Bloc Party - Silent Alarm 19 Catapult Club ft. KillGlass 26 Catapult Club ft. Last Agony 27 Chemikill 31 Lime Cordiale

O2 INSTITUTE

July 04 Ministry 04 Doja Cat 11 Andy Black 13 Bassmans Birthday Bash presents Venom The Last Ever Birthday 18 Easy Star All-Stars playing “Dub Side of The Moon” 25 Crobot 26 #DXP19 Drag Explosion 27 Summer Carnival ft DJ Nate

ARENA BIRMINGHAM

July 06 DanTDM presents The Contest 09 KISS 20 Gurdas Maan

NEC

July 18-21 Art & Antiques for Everyone 27-28 British Drift Championship

TOWN HALL & SYMPHONY HALL

July 01 Lunchtime Organ Concert - Summer Requests (TH) 01 Kelly Jones (SH) 03-06 MFY National Festival (TH)

04 MFY Schools Concert (SH) 07 CBSO: SO Vocal Summer Concert (TH) 07 Dancing in the Air (SH) 08 The Chieftains (TH) 11 Lea Salonga (SH) 13 Pop Chorus presents “Sing

tol’s Ashton Gate and the Etihad in Manchester, the band are also playing throughout Europe this summer before a series of shows in Mexico and South America in October. Their most recent album Simulation Theory was released in November last year. Drones, was released in June 2015 and debuted

Our Own Kind of Music” (TH) 14-18 Services for Education Youth Proms 2019 (SH) 17 Expedition With Steve Backshall (TH) 19 Neurosis (TH) 20 Here Come the Boys (SH) 20 Betty Wright Live In Concert (TH) 21 Padmore and Lewis – Schumann’s Dichterliebe (TH) 21 NSSO 25th Anniversary Concert (SH)

at number one in 21 countries around the world including their first number one album in the United States. The album went on to win the Grammy Award, their second, for Best Rock Album in February 2016. Since forming in 1994, Muse have released seven studio al-

22-26 Aston University Awards Ceremony (July 2019) (TH) 22-26 Birmingham City University Awards Ceremony July 2019 (SH) 27 k.d.lang: Ingénue Redux – 25th Anniversary Tour (SH) 27 Stevie Wonder – the hits performed by 16-piece orchestra (TH) 28 CBSO Youth Orchestra Academy (TH) 30 Trevor Horn (SH)

bums, selling over 20 million albums worldwide. Widely recognised as one of the best live bands in the world, Muse have won numerous music awards including two Grammy Awards, an American Music Award, five MTV Europe Music Awards, two Brit Awards, ten NME Awards and seven Q Awards, amongst others.

SLADE ROOMS, WOLVERHAMPTON

July 12 Pull Up Tour ft.Big Dog Yogo, MDR Tilla 13 In Our Lives & Headshrinkers 20 Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club 26 Whitesnake UK and Total Thunder 31 Rosalie Cunningham Band (ex Purson)

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ENTERTAINMENT MOTORS

l Emma King - Ford

Rising Stars

Emma King, Ford’s senior purchasing manager at the forefront of the marque’s $11bn investment in EVs, has been named the winner of Autocar’s Great British Women in the Car Industry – Rising Stars 2019 initiative, held in partnership with the SMMT. King came top of Autocar’s Purchasing category and went on to beat eight other category winners from the list of 100 of the most talented rising stars in the car industry. Outstanding individuals across categories including marketing, sales, people development and manufacturing are celebrating their respective achievements today at an event held at 30 Euston Square, London. King started her career as a commercial vehicle buyer for Ford in 2007 and has risen through the ranks to lead the firm’s electric vehicle charge in purchasing and manage a team across the US, the EU and China. She has been an instrumental part of teams driving key technological changes in the industry. Her most recent role has involved heading up the procurement of global battery cells, coming at a crucial time for Ford as it restructures its business and prepares for the rapid growth in electrified vehicles.

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The Property Of A Gentleman

selection of cars from an amazing private collection is being auctioned by Silverstone Auctions at their forthcoming sale on the 26th to 28th July at the historic Silverstone Classic race meeting. Seventeen cars are being offered, all at No Reserve and each car has a unique history. This is an opportunity to purchase a special car from a Gentleman’s Private Collection. Amongst those being offered, is a show-stopping 1973 Citroen DS Super 5. This car has won multiple Concours trophies since 1987 whilst in the ownership of

the second owner. Presented in Blanc Meije with Red Targa upholstery and in righthand drive, it has had just two previous owners, the first being the CEO of the supplying Citroen dealership. As part of its numerous show successes, the car featured prominently at the Paris Concours and Citroen World Championship, plus it has also appeared on both Top Gear and Fifth Gear television programmes. Now offered for sale in Citroen’s centenary year, this car has a huge amount of supporting documentation and is such an important car, it has been offered a permanent place in Citroen’s

national museum in France. One of several BMWs being offered from the collection is this exceptional 1975 1602 with just 3,055 miles on the clock. The car was bought new on the 1st January and remained in the possession of the first owner until 2016 when it was sold and has since spent its time as part of a large private collection. It is presented in Schwarz with a Cream leather and cord interior and a history file which includes the full book pack, sales brochure, Haynes Manual, a copy of the original V5. The tax disc and leather key ring are supplied in their original paper bag. For those wishing to have some

Italian flavour on their driveway or indeed in their own collection, a low mileage 1991 Ferrari Testarossa is being offered with an indicated 15,180 miles. A true eighties icon finished in the classic colour combination of Rosso with Crema and Rosso carpets, comes with accompanying paperwork and is in fabulous condition. Upon returning to the UK the car has been inspected by specialist Andy Middlehurst who confirms the originality of this car. Prior to the sale the Lotus Cortina will have an oil and filter service, an MOT and be road tested.

Fiat Continues Italian Football Federation Sponsorship FCA and the Italian Football Federation have renewed the sponsorship agreement for another four years. Fiat will be a Top Partner and Official Car of the Azzurri once more. The agreement includes the supply of a fleet of cars to accompany the FIGC personnel on official and friendly matches. In addition, the brand will appear on the training uniforms of the Azzurri and on banners around the pitch. Further activities will involve the men’s, women's and the junior’s teams. The announcement of the agreement took place at the 2020 European Championship qualification Italy vs. Bosnia Herzegovina match. Gabriele Gravina, President of FIGC, head coach Roberto Mancini, Cristiano Fiorio, Head of EMEA Brand Marketing & Communication and Luca Napolitano, Head of EMEA Fiat & Abarth Brand, met last night at the Allianz Stadium in Turin. "Fiat wants to take the field directly to support the team of all Italians", commented Napolitano. "Today, Fiat and FIGC have just turned 120 and continue to work to take on the challenges of the near future and to hold the name of Italy high worldwide".

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The Phoenix Newspaper - July 2019 - Page 33

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Women More Decisive Than Men Online WOMEN are 71% more likely to buy a car online than men, according to a new analysis of visitor behaviour in the traditional and internet car retail environments. The latest sales figures crunched by analysts at the online motor retail specialist BuyaCar show that not only are women who visit BuyaCar.co.uk more decisive buyers than men, they are also significantly more likely to order a car than women who visit a traditional dealership. This latest data may help to explain why the online motor retail market is continuing to grow even as traditional dealers face another year of falling sales. Last year the traditional market saw a sales downturn of 6.8% while online sales continued to grow for the third year running. As well as demonstrating more purchase intent than men, when visiting an internet car sales provider, women are also evidently more comfortable to place an order online than in an ordinary dealership.

MOTORS

Ten Millionth Vehicle Built At Nissan Sunderland Plant

issan Sunderland Plant is celebrating another record breaking milestone as the ten millionth vehicle rolls of the production line. It has taken the plant 33 years to reach the ten million mark – making it the fastest car factory in the UK to the landmark figure. It also means that, on average, a new car has been built in Sunderland every two minutes since production started in 1986. And if all ten million cars were parked nose to tail they would stretch for more than 42,000km – which is enough to go all the way around the equator of the world, with a few to spare. Steve Marsh, Nissan Sunderland Plant Vice President, Manufacturing, said: “Building ten million vehicles is a tremendous achievement for everyone associated with the plant. “Reaching this huge figure has called on all the ingenuity, commitment and spirit of our highly skilled workforce, many of who hail from the North East of England “Together we are determined to continue to drive up the high quality standards our customers have come to expect over the last three decades.”

Automobili Pininfarina Reveals Battista Design Evolution Following an initial development programme of simulated aerodynamic testing in Italy, Automobili Pininfarina has revealed its stunning Blu Iconica Battista with new design details at the Turin Outdoor Auto Show. The evolution of the Battista’s design as it heads into its development programme resulted in design detail upgrades that have redefined the front of the Battista and reinforced its hypercar look and feel, presenting an even greater visual connection between front and back.

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ENTERTAINMENT

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Ballet Takes Flight

n the bustling surroundings of Birmingham Airport, dancers from the Freefall Dance Company, one of Birmingham Royal Ballet’s most long-standing and impactful programmes, strutted their stuff as the year long partnership with Birmingham Airport was launched. At All Bar One, in Birmingham Airport, Paul James, Chief Commercial Officer for the Birmingham Royal Ballet opened, “There were two things that struck me one which was making ballet more accessible for all and the other was changing lives for others. “This partnership is to promote and help those with learning difficulties and to support them in their love of ballet.” The Airport is donating to Birmingham Royal Ballet to support Freefall, their second company that works with young adults with severe learning disabilities.

The event included the premiere of a new film featuring the Freefall dancers, directed by Birmingham Royal Ballet Director David Bintley with Ross MacGibbon. “We look forward to joining you for the remainder of the year while this runs on,” explained Birmingham Airport chief executive, Nick Barton, “and we’ll see the success and the talent of these young people who have got real challenges but show great merit and great talent to overcome them”.

Leading up to the live performance a couple of the parents of the Freefall dancers beamed “he comes home and tells me how much he loves it every time.” The performance started off with three dancers by the end there were thirteen young adults expressing their passion for dance. The performance was very enjoyable to watch and at the end one dancer was extremely proud of the show. His happiness was infectious, and really made you realise how much these dancers loved putting on the show.

Freefall Dance Company is comprised of 10 adults with severe learning disabilities (SLD) and has been creating and performing daring, ground-breaking and award-winning dance since 2002. By combining the dancers’ exceptional talents and individual styles, Freefall has repeatedly challenged and amazed audiences locally, nationally and internationally proving their artistic potential. Dance Track is BRB’s talent identification programme within Birmingham schools, aimed at training young dancers aged from six to eight. Every year Dance Track invites 80 children who demonstrate a talent for dance to join the programme. The participants, who might not otherwise have an opportunity to participate in dance, are given free weekly ballet lessons taught by Birmingham Royal Ballet staff. Throughout the year, they are invited to Birmingham Royal Ballet to have a look behind the scenes, meet Company dancers and are offered tickets to see Birmingham Royal Ballet performances at Birmingham Hippodrome. Through this new partnership, Birmingham Airport will provide funding to enable one new school in the North East area of Birmingham to join the Dance Track programme, giving more children in the city access to the world of dance. Reported by Chelsea Hardwick-Dawson, Aysha Khatun and Ravneet Kaur.

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The Phoenix Newspaper - July 2019 - Page 35

Babu Narayanan Manus A A n Indian film director in Malayalam movies, he directed more than 25 Malayalam movies. He was a popular Malayalam movie director during the 1990s. Together with Anil Babu, he directed popular movies like Maanthrikacheppu, Sthreedhanam, Kudumba Vishesham, Aramanaveedum Anjoorekkarum, Kaliyoonjal and Pattabhishekam. The last movie they did together was Parayam in 2004. Later he took a break from movies.[5] He made a comeback in 2013 with the Malayalam movie To Noora with Love. Married to Jyothi, the couple had two children, Darssan and Sravana. A cancer patient, he was 59.

Leyah (Leah) Chase

n American chef based in New Orleans, Louisiana, she was also an author and television personality, known as the Queen of Creole

Kelly

Cuisine, advocating both African-American art and Creole cooking. Her restaurant, Dooky Chase, was known as a gathering place during the 1960s among many who participated in the Civil Rights Movement, and was known as a gallery due to its extensive African-American art collection. In 2018 it was named one of the 40 most important restaurants of the past 40 years by Food & Wine. Inducted into the James Beard Foundation's Who's Who of Food & Beverage in America, Chase was the recipient of a multitude of awards and honors. In her 2002 biography, Chase's awards and honours occupy over two pages. The Southern Food and Beverage Museum in New Orleans, Louisiana named a permanent gallery in Chase's honour. She was 96.

Notice Board

he Italian director and producer of operas, films and television was also a senator for the Italian centreright Forza Italia party. Some of his operatic designs and productions have become worldwide classics and was also known for several of the movies he directed, especially the 1968 version of Romeo and Juliet. His version of The Taming of the Shrew with Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton remains the best-known film adaptation of that play as well. His Jesus of Nazareth won both national and international acclaim. A Grande Ufficiale OMRI of the Italian Republic since 1977, he also received an honorary British knighthood in 2004. In 2009 he was awarded the Premio Colosseo by the city of Rome. He was 96.

OBITUARIES AND NOTICE BOARD

ffectionately known as ‘Mandy’, the native of Glenswilly in County Donegal was an Irish rally driver, businessman, and local politician. As a rally driver, he participated in the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship and won the Donegal International Rally on three consecutive occasions, in 2016, 2017, and 2018. As a businessman, he ran a Letterkenny-based facilities management company and a local café, employing dozens of people in the community. As a Fianna Fáilpolitician, he ran in the local elections of 24 May 2019 and won a seat on Donegal County Council. Kelly was killed in a crash while competing in the 2019 Donegal International Rally. After his death, numerous public figures, including Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, paid tribute to his achievements. He was 41.

Etika

orn Desmond Daniel Amofah, in Brooklyn, New York City, he was better known online as Etika, an American YouTuber, livestreamer and model, best known for his reactions to

various Nintendo products and games. Prior to establishment of the Etika branding, he was active as a model and rapper The name Etika came from the 2003 video game Sonic Battle. Following him exhibiting signs of mental illness, as well as threatening suicide on multiple occasions, he disappeared after uploading an apologetic video in which he admitted to being mentally ill and suicidal. His body was discovered in the East River by the New York City Police Department. He was 29.

Franco Zeffirelli

Lionheart

orn Adrian McCallum, in Coventry, in the West Midlands, he was a British professional wrestler, professional wrestling promoter and actor, often better known by his ring name Lionheart. He wrestled for numerous promotions in the British Independent wrestling circuit including

Insane Championship Wrestling, in which he reigned as the ICW World Heavyweight Championship until his death, and Preston City Wrestling. He was also the owner of Ayrshire-based wrestling promotion ‘Pro Wrestling Elite’. He was 36.

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Page 36 - The Phoenix Newspaper - July 2019

OLIVER SAMUELS CELEBRATES THE BIG 70

70 Years Strong For Jamaica’s ‘King Of Comedy’

riends, colleagues, supporters and admirers gathered at the Jamaica High Commission in London to celebrate the life and achievements of the Jamaican ‘King of Comedy’, Oliver Samuels. Master of Ceremonies Delores Cooper OD welcomed everyone to the proceedings, before the man of the moment himself graced the room, flanked by both Jamaica High Commissioner Seth George Ramocan CD and Deputy High Commissioner

Angella Rose-Howell. In a room of smiling faces (not least at Olivers jokes and stories), Oliver’s previous colleagues and friends paid tribute to a man who has dedicated nearly 50 years of his life to acting and comedy. “I want to pay tribute to an undisputed treasure of Jamaica, Oliver Adolphus Samuels,” started the High Commissioner. “Just saying the name Oliver, you begin to feel good, just look at him and you begin to laugh. Oliver of course you are a born entertainer with an inate gift of bringing laughter, pleasantry

and joy to the hearts and souls of people in Jamaica, outside of Jamaica, and we honour you today.” Oliver is currently on tour throughout the UK in 56 East Avenue – the hilarious story of life in a ‘tenament yaad,’ it details the chronicles of a landlord trying to collect rent from delinquent tenants while at the same time creating a comfortable living space for the others. What is taking place down at 56 East Avenue? 56 East Avenue, the brand new comedy featuring Oliver

Samuels, celebrating his 70th alongside a super star-studded cast including Volier ‘Maffy’ Johnson, Audrey Reid, Dennis Titus and Lakeisha Ellison. Long time friend and colleague, dancer and choreographer Carlton “Jackie” Guy MBE CD reminisced of the early days they worked

together. “Oliver wanted an audience to hear what he had to say. He had words to say. Happy Birthday in your 70th year and may God continue to give you all the blessings.” Cast member and friend ‘Maffy’ spoke of Oliver fondly, “When we worked together in theatre, we

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The Phoenix Newspaper - July 2019 - Page 37

OLIVER SAMUELS CELEBRATES THE BIG 70

always have fun. We have had great times together. We’d stop and have a drink and chat foolishness and share dreams.” Before the night was finished Oliver was presented with a Birthday Cake, a guestbook signed by all attendees, and a personal commendation from the Jamaica High Commission.

In the presence of the likes of Linton Kwesi Johnson, the legendary David ‘Ram Jam’ Rodigan, Marcia McLaughlin of The Phoenix Newspaper and many more, a great time was had by all, sharing food, drinks, and stories of Oliver. Congratulations on your 70th Birthday Oliver, here’s to many more years of laughs and entertainment.

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Page 38 - The Phoenix Newspaper - July 2019

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

Bathroom store provide calming space for hospice

ocus F on Social Care

Direct Payments Directly Affecting Lives In Brum

A E

l John Taylor Hospice staff with artist, Lucy Parris (Middle), in front of the mural

asy Bathrooms, which has a store in Erdington, has helped to create a calming, comfortable space for families at local charity, John Taylor Hospice. The showroom donated the full sum of £600, for a mural to be created in the Living Well Centre. Brightening up the space and creating a relaxing

environment for patients, staff and visitors to enjoy, the painting was completed by local artist, Lucy Parris. The painting, which depicts families enjoying special moments, took a full day to complete. Commenting on the mural, Valerie Rogers, Fundraising Coordinator at John Taylor Hospice, said: “The painting

Healthcare Trust launches prestigious award to recognise staff Patients are being encouraged to nominate caring staff for a top accolade at a West Midlands Healthcare Trust’s annual glittering awards ceremony. The Star Awards recognises some of the best healthcare professionals at Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust, which runs City, Sandwell and Rowley Regis Hospitals, as well as three GP surgeries and Leasowes Intermediate Care Centre. Patients are able to nominate employees they think have gone that extra mile for the Quality of Care award. Raffaela Goodby, Director of People and Organisation Development, said: “I’m urging all patients to nominate someone who they think has offered them great quality of care whilst they or their family have been treated at our Trust. “The Trust is a real advocate of rewarding its employees for their fantastic work which is why the award was introduced.”

has really brightened up the space – we are delighted with it. We are also extremely grateful to Easy Bathrooms for paying for it – it’s a very kind and generous donation, and we can’t thank them enough for thinking of us.” Easy Bathrooms opened its Erdington store in 2018 and has supported the hospice ever since. Within the first month of

being open, they donated 5% of profits to the cause. Jon Bryant-Williams, the Showroom Manager, said: “It’s important to us that we focus on giving back to the local community – and we’re delighted to be able to support this amazing hospice in everything that they do.”

Care home crisis as nearly 10,000 beds lost from half of England’s local authorities Nearly 10,000 care home beds for the elderly have been lost in five years across half of England’s local authorities, retirement mortgage experts Responsible Life can reveal. In total, 9,772 care home beds have been lost in England in the 75 local authority areas that have struggled to keep up with provision since 2014, analysis of Care Quality Commission (CQC) data1 shows. The findings suggest older people are being left at the mercy of a postcode lottery in many areas, even though the overall number of beds has actually risen in the same period from 401,322 to 407,058. The UK population is ageing with around 18.2%

of people aged 65 or over in mid-2017, compared with 15.9% in 2007. This is projected to grow to 20.7% aged 65 and over by 2027. Sunderland has seen the greatest decline in care home bed numbers outside of London, losing 15.3%of them in the past five years. Bracknell Forest and Hartlepool have seen similar falls, at 15.1% and14.3% respectively. Overall, the number of care homes in England has fallen from 11,113 in 2014 to 10,878 in 2019, declining in 86 of the 150 authority areas. Steve Wilkie, Managing Director of Responsible Life, said: “The number of beds country-wide has actually gone up, so we know a drop in the number of beds in half of authorities is not part of a wider change in how people

want to access care in later life. “In fact, what we are seeing is a postcode lottery unfolding. If this trend isn’t reversed, it is going to get even tougher to access care in certain areas in the coming years. “For some it will mean lack of availability and subsequently higher costs force them to delay accessing the right care at the right time, while others may feel they are better off financially paying for assistance at home. “The danger is that some retirees will inevitably choose to remain in homes that do not meet their requirements. It is imperative that people consider all their options and make informed choices well in advance.”

few weeks ago I went out to meet a lady following a lengthy inspiring telephone conversation, about the innovative way in which this mother was ensuring that through direct payments her daughter was leaving a full and engaged life. I went out to visit the lady (Mrs M) and her support worker (Mrs C) Mrs M’s daughter (Miss M) has learning disabilities, Miss M is now in her 40’s and is living independently through supported living sharing a flat with another person with mild learning disabilities. Mrs M did not want her daughter to use the traditional day centre model and wanted her daughter to live a full amazing life engaging in activities not traditionally supported by day services. Mrs M is a strong advocate of direct payments this in her words has transformed the opportunities and life style for her daughter. Mrs M uses her daughters direct payment to employ 7 support workers who each support Miss M. The support they offer varies but can include going to the cinema, theatre trips, baking, shopping, visits to parks and attractions regionally. As part of this Miss M’s support worker will take her out to visit older citizens sit down and have a coffee and biscuits with and have a chat which also means the older person who would otherwise be socially isolated has someone come to visit them be-friend them and have a conversation with which is not rushed. Miss M will do hand massages; help with cleaning; or shopping for an older citizen to a basic standard with support and direction from the Support Worker who stays with Miss M during these visits. In return for Miss M’s help the older citizen will usually pay Miss M £5 for helping with cleaning or for the hand massage. This gives Miss M a sense of purpose and a feeling that she is earning money through a form of having a job and making a positive contribution. The older citizen also gets company and after helping out Sarah and her support worker will have a cup of tea and coffee with the older citizen and thus providing a valuable cost effective service for both Miss M and the older citizen.

l Cllr Paulette Hamilton Mrs C (one of the support workers) was a qualified Social Worker but due to change in personal circumstances having children wanted employment that would allow her to be there for her children but also do some meaningful work that makes a difference. Again this is one aspect of employment that is flexible in terms of hours part-time or fulltime dependent on what suits the support worker. Being a support worker also delivers the job satisfaction and rewarding in terms of supporting citizens take part in activities that they could not do without that additional support. This is one innovative approach of using Direct Payments, but I am sure there are many other examples of how our citizens have used direct payments to improve their lives and help them continue to remain connected to their localities but engaging in activities that improve their outcomes and support them to be economically active. I would love to hear examples of how people have managed to lead active lives on a Direct Payment. Also any challenges being faced and how you may or may not have managed to overcome any issues faced. Email me at paulette.hamilton@birmingham. gov.uk I have also been out this month meeting some inspirational people working in dementia groups across the City, which I will share with you in a future column piece.

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The Phoenix Newspaper - July 2019 - Page 39

Prostate Cancer – Something to Walk and Talk about M

l Nearly 10,000 men - Godfrey Fletcher

Britain’s Best Bedroom DJ Discovered Hard Rock Hotel London and the UK’s largest independent music therapy charity, Nordoff Robbins, have unveiled the victor of their nationwide search to discover Britain’s next big DJ star. As part of their commitment to support budding talent and champion health and wellbeing through the power of music, Nordoff Robbins and Hard Rock Hotel London launched a national competition to encourage aspiring DJs to make beats behind bedroom doors and upload their own music mix to the Bedroom 2 Dancefloor website Bedroom2Dancefloor. com. The most popular musical pieces were then judged by an expert panel of electronic aficionados, who then selected the top five finalists to be put forward for the people’s choice. Winning the competition after going

head-to-head with five finalists in a public vote, Connor Scott from Birmingham spoke about the inspiration behind their mix. “Winning the bedroom to dancefloor competition has opened up so many opportunities for me. I’ve always wanted to work in big music events - seeing how a DJ can change the hype of a crowd and the whole experience of an event or even a night out, made

en, we are with you - this is the message from leading men’s health charity, Prostate Cancer UK, ahead of their first ever Birmingham March for Men. Prostate Cancer UK launched its new campaign to celebrate everything great about men and highlight the moments lost when a man dies every 45 minutes from prostate cancer. The Birmingham March for Men, a family-friendly walking event, where amblers of a range of fitness levels walked in solidarity to celebrate and pay tribute to the special men in their lives, took place in Cannon Hill Park. Stepping up to the challenge, the charity urged walkers to back their campaign by completing a 2km, 5km or 10km route around the park – raising funds needed for vital research into the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer, with the aim to save men’s lives. Since 2016, more than 10,000 people have walked with Prostate Cancer UK and raised over £3.3million to support the charity’s vital work – but with the

realise that is what I wanted to be. “Playing to different crowds, meeting new people, travelling and being able to work with and make music is what I love most. “Music is very important to me, and Nordoff Robbins are a charity that I think is doing amazing work. “Music has had a massive benefit on my own mental health and I’ve seen how it can give someone who maybe can’t speak or communicate easily, an outlet” Founded in 1959, Nordoff Robbins offers those with lifelimiting illnesses, physical disabilities or emotional challenges life-changing music therapy through its dedicated open access centres and over 200 partner organisations. With the announcement of this new partnership, Hard Rock Hotel London will join musical royalty such as Sir Paul McCartney, Sting, Barry Gibb and Dame Shirley Bassey, who have supported the charity over the years.

disease killing more people than breast cancer that quest is more urgent than ever and is driving a busy summer of activity. Radio DJ, Godfrey Fletcher, was diagnosed with prostate cancer at the age of 47 in 2015. Prior to his diagnosis, he had no symptoms and had never heard of the disease. His dad had it but didn’t tell him until long after his diagnosis. His father died in 2018, but he has been given the all-clear. Godfrey has two sons one of whom was still a teenager when he was diagnosed with the condition. He recalls: “Because I wish it was around at the time I was going through my battle with cancer. I feel like it is part of my purpose

HEALTH AND WELLBEING now to play my role in getting the message across to other people about their risk, so they can catch cancer early.” His actively raises awareness of the condition through talks in his local community. Brian Harrison, who was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer in 2014, joined hundreds of walkers for Birmingham’s March for Men. He said: “When I first heard the news about my prostate cancer diagnosis, I was in complete shock, especially as I had never even heard about the disease before. My family were also devastated by the news, but we all tried to remain as strong as possible.” Brian, 68, a keen fundraiser, underwent hormone therapy and radiotherapy. As a result of his treatment, he suffers from severe side effects including hot flushes and pain in his legs. He has raised around £10,000 for Prostate Cancer UK. Prostate Cancer UK Chief Executive Angela Culhane said: “We are constantly inspired by the incredible men, women and children who come out to support us, each with their own story, personal motivation and challenges to conquer. We were proud to walk side by side with them and together we can add to the real momentum building in the fight against this disease.”

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From spring 2020

the law around organ donation in England is changing Unless you choose to opt out, you will be considered to have agreed to be an organ donor when you die. Whatever you choose, let close family or friends know to help ensure your decision is honoured. To find out more about your choices, including how to opt out: visit organdonation.nhs.uk or call 0300 303 2094

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Page 40 - The Phoenix Newspaper - July 2019

THE FUNERAL OF BARBARA MATTHEWS

he church was quaint and unassuming – which pretty much summed her up. But, as it quickly filled to capacity, with standing room almost at a premier, it all but epitomised Barbara Arlotte Matthew. A woman revered by all who came in contact with her, her passing touched far more people than those who didn’t quite know her expected. ‘Empress Barbara’ was never one to ‘announce’ her presence wherever she was. That said, she would never be a ‘shrinking violet’ to, and for, anyone. “To Queen Barbara”, said Reverend Dr Carver, “all the love is here for you - your Empress.” Fellow residing pastor, Reverend Robin, added: “The beauty is

A Community R ‘Sisdren’ Barb

here as Barbara lies here before you. “What I ask of you is just to do as she always did. Don’t hate! Do as Barbara did…and love one another. As the vast congregation turned to each other with a typically-Barbara “Whaa’ Gwaaan!!!” greeting – to feel more at one with each other everyone present felt at one with a true ‘Queen’. The St. Kitts native, a wife and

loving mother, was a friend and lover of all. She doted over her grandson, and knew that Ashley, her son-in-law will take care of him and her beautiful daughter Talisha, who was a pillar of strength for the whole family in such a terrible time. Lee Mason School has produced women of character and substance, who were taught to hold their heads high, a visible trait in Barbara. A truly modest wife, mother,

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The Phoenix Newspaper - July 2019 - Page 41

THE FUNERAL OF BARBARA MATTHEWS

Remembers bara Matthew and diligent lover of family, Barbara epitomised a woman of strong integrity and honesty - a giant in character and influential communications, who was always attentive and forever ready to serve and please all around her, she very much respected…by all! “I’ve been with ‘Lady Barbara’ for over 30-years,” said husband Niah in a moving speech. “Since 1987 she was my ultimate ‘Glamour Queen’ who loved me as much as I did her.

But, as the pain of his loss showed so vividly for all to see, he conceded: “It looks like the Father loves her even more. “Don’t take family or friends for granted”, daughter Sapphire added. “A woman of immense power, mom always walked with pride, confidence and dignity which she, and dad, instilled in sister Talisha and I. and we are proud to be their daughters as they, together, guided us through our school, college university and

work lives with passion, patience, integrity and humility. “I know that she is at peace now.” “She was dynamic”, said Barbara’s sister, Jacqueline. “She was a woman of great power and great strength. She was my champion." Sentiments shred by every speaker in the church that moving day. High Priest, Ras Tred, adding in his closing sermon - which in the best part was read in Amrik: “My sisdren has gone, but she never will be forgotten. As she was entered into the Kingdom of Heaven, God welcomed her with open arms as you can image him saying: “Whaa Gwaan sisdren Barbara Matthew?”

Page 42 - The Phoenix Newspaper - July 2019

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Page 42 - The Phoenix Newspaper - July 2019

MEN OF EXCELLENCE

‘Divine’ Inspiration From A True Man Of Excellence

ichael Olufemi Bolorundura ACA, CPU has been a leading figure in the new wave of ambitious, forward-thinking, ambitious business developments that is spreading far and wide throughout a fast-growing Wolverhampton, in the West Midlands. Groomed to follow in a career as a scientist – and, also, despite the family trait which is steeped in the teaching profession – he was to take the root of another of the leading career-paths, as an accountant. Qualified in 1984 – at the age of 22 – and now a certified Chartered Accountant for some 35 years standing, the native Nigerian from the Igefha tribe is also making massive contributions to the city’s thriving economy heading Divine Heritage Trade Limited – the go-to trading store which provides authentic African and Caribbean foods for the purveyors of the highest quality. His work history proves him to be fully committed from the very first step: “Despite my upbringing in one of the country’s most remote regions (in south/west Nigeria – especially with very little access to water and electricity) I knew it would take a lot of hard work. “There were many companies after my services.” “But, with my father passing away when I was only 6-years-old, my detailed and committed work-ethics would put me in good stead, wherever my life took me. “Loyalty to the first boss I worked for, he did say: ‘Never stay in your comfort zone’.” Michael went on to add: “I was never afraid of a challenge.” At the age of 27, in 1987, despite a young career as an auditor, Bolorundura was offered work as a chief accounted at one of the country’s leading companies. But, after 3 unhappy months, he made the huge decision to start-up his own practice.” After an initial 6-months working from his bedroom, he took up a position on a main High Street; where things really ‘took-off.’” “I was never afraid of challenges,” he said. “For you to rise you must be challenged”. Internationally, the 60-year-old is

also registered as a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants as well as having set up his own accountancy firm Femi Bolorunduro & Co, IQ Consultancy Ltd and Femadukd Services Ltd, in Lagos. A man fully immersed in the development the business community, wherever he is, Michael is also lead co-ordinate the Wolverhampton Black Business Network CIC (WBBN), which was set up, in 2013, to be the ‘voice’ of Minority Blackowned businesses in the city and wider afield. Known as the ‘Small Teacher’, because of his stature, Michael was invited to one o the highest ofices in Nigeria – where he fell in love with the boss’ daughter, and now-wife, Sarah. His fledgling business was fast-growing with much work coming by way of government audits. A new challenge would arise when, after spending a short period in the USA, in 2002, he moved to the UK By 2004, he would be settled in Woolwich, in south east London; “I felt at home there”, Bolorundura recalls, “Because almost 90% of that

region is made-up of Nigerians. “It was like a home-from-home for me”. After time working as a clerk, in HMRC offices, in Sussex, his inner-yearnings saw him and his family move to Birmingham, where he set-up a grocery store selling predominantly African and Caribbean foods. As that grew, he moved to Wolverhampton, in the West Midlands, where his Divine Heritage Trades Limited (Authentic African Foods) store stands supreme in the city centre. Introduced to like-minded prominent Africa businesses in the city, in 2016 he became part of the Wolverhampton Black Business Network – where, now, Michael Bolorundura is the Network’s chief co-ordinate. “The WBBN (Wolverhampton Black Business Network) is there to support, emancipate and empower Black businesses in and around the area”, he says. Which emulates from his very reason for living.

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The Phoenix Newspaper - July 2019 - Page 43

HOLIDAY AND TRAVEL

Airport takes part in World Environment Day 2019 Birmingham Airport took part in ‘World Environment Day’ - the annual United Nation's campaign for encouraging awareness and action for the protection of the environment. First held in 1974, it has been a flagship campaign for raising awareness on environmental issues since this date. The Airport recognises that it has a role to play in reducing its impact on the environment and outlines ways it will achieve this through its environmental plans. The Airport’s commitments extend to all employees, tenants and contractors on-site. World Environment Day was the ideal catalyst for the Airport to again raise awareness of the environmental activities that are carried out by its dedicated Sustainability team amongst the Airport community. It also aims to receive ideas and feedback from all staff on how collaboratively it can reduce its impact on the environment. During the day, employees took part in competitions and quizzes and other enjoyable activities. A team of experts were on hand to promote staff travel, through the lift share scheme and the options for staff to cycle to work. Staff members also got to make a smoothie – powered by cycling on a bike to generate enough power to create their own healthy drink.

Mayor calling for direct flights to Mumbai

est Midlands Metro Mayor, Andy Street, has called for a direct flight between Birmingham and Mumbai. He is petitioning both Air India and the Indian Government to install the route, with hundreds already backing his campaign. It comes after the former John Lewis boss met India’s aviation minister last year to make the business case for the direct route. Currently there is a direct flight between Birmingham and Delhi, but those wanting to travel to Mumbai from the Midlands need to make the 185km journey south to London Heathrow. Jet Airways used to operate a direct flight to Mumbai from Manchester but this stopped when the airline collapsed. He said: “The Midlands serves a large Indian community of nearly 500,000 people, with significant populations in Birmingham, Leicester,

Northampton, Nottingham, Sandwell and Wolverhampton. “I am really pleased there is an Air India flight to Delhi from Birmingham but if people need to go to Mumbai they have to travel to Heathrow. Given the significant business (Jaguar Land Rover, JCB, Rolls Royce, Bharat Forge, Pattonair and Bombardier to name a few) links between the Midlands and India, and the strength of the diaspora, there is strong demand for a direct flight between Birmingham and Mumbai. “As well as the business case there is also the personal case, as the new route will allow thousands of families to reconnect far easier with family and friends in India. “The Midlands and India have a wonderful relationship, but it is time we strengthened that with a new route.” His petition, which can be found on change.org, has garnered over 900 signatures at the time of writing.

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Legoland Windsor Adds Miniature Lego Glastonbury Ahead of the main event last month, the Legoland Windsor Resort unveiled its Lego recreation of Glastonbury Festival in its world famous Miniland attraction - complete with Lego figures of this year's 2019 headline acts; Stormzy, The Killers and The Cure. The Resort's talented Model Making team have created 10cm high Lego creations of superstar headliners, Stormzy, Brandon Flowers from The Killers and Robert Smith from The Cure all performing on the famous Pyramid Stage. Guests can even take a peek backstage to spot Lego Kylie, Liam Gallagher and Miley Cyrus hanging out in the VIP area. Plus all the festival essentials you would expect to see at Worthy Farm, from miniature portaloos, tents, mud sliding festival-goers and even a tiny recreation of the famous giant Glastonbury letters. The scene is made up of around 9,872 Lego bricks with 5,400 used to create the 50cm high Pyramid Stage.

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Page 44 - The Phoenix Newspaper - July 2019

OVERSEAS NEWS

Flybe CEO Receives International Inspirational Role Model Award

How anticipation Built for Taste of the Caribbean Miami cook-off

l Flybe CEO Christine Ourmères-Widener is presented with IATA’s inaugural Diversity & Inclusion Inspirational Role Model Award from Director-General, Alexandre de Juniac (pictured right) and Qatar CEO Akbar Al Baker, sponsor of the Award

lybe, Europe’s largest regional airline, is proud to report that its Chief Executive Officer, Christine Ourmières-Widener, has received the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) first-ever Inspirational Role Model Award. It is the most prominent of three categories featured in the organisation’s inaugural Diversity & Inclusion Awards which, sponsored by Qatar Airways, attracted 68 nominations. Christine was presented with the prestigious Award and US$25k in prize money jointly by Alexandre de Juniac, IATA Director-General

and Qatar CEO Akbar Al Baker, during the influential aviation trade association’s Annual General Meeting being held in the South Korean capital, Seoul. In thanking IATA and the sponsors for their insight in proactively progressing the agenda relating to diversity and inclusion, Ms Ourmières-Widener said: “I am very honoured to be the first woman to receive this Inspirational Role Model Award. I am passionate about diversity and inclusion. Although significant strides have been made towards addressing the issue of gender imbalance across the general workforce, the aviation sector

remains very male- dominated. “I’d like to see more women at all levels - as pilots, in operations and engineering, and in management roles. There needs to be a clear push to get women to study science, technology, engineering and mathematics from an early age. Young women cannot be what they cannot see.” Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, H.E. Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “Congratulations to Christine Ourmières-Widener, a key aviation figure and colleague for receiving IATA’s inaugural Inspirational Role Model Award. This award reflects Ms. Ourmières-Widener’s charismatic

and outgoing character, which has positively impacted the aviation industry as a whole. Last year, Christine spearheaded the launch of Flybe’s widelyacclaimed FlyShe programme. With its own dedicated website, www.flyshe.com, it is a series of initiatives designed to change aspirations and create opportunities for women, providing educational materials, visiting schools, offering training and organising events to raise the sights of young girls everywhere. It has received extensive coverage for its potential to help address the future skills’ shortages facing aviation.

The region's leading culinary professionals geared up for the much-anticipated Taste of the Caribbean event hosted by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association's (CHTA) at Hyatt Regency Miami. Held in conjunction with the association's annual industry conference, the Caribbean Hospitality Industry Exchange Forum (CHIEF) and the Caribbean305 culinary and cultural consumer celebration ‘Taste of the Caribbean’ featured culinary teams from 14 Caribbean destinations in a friendly but intense battle for cooking supremacy at destinations include Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bonaire, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Curaçao, Grenada, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, St. Lucia, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, and Turks and Caicos.

Trinidad and Tobago were defending team champions, with this year marking Grenada's return to the competition following an 11year absence. ‘Taste of the Caribbean’ is the region's premier culinary competition, food and beverage educational exchange, and Caribbean cultural showcase. Since 1993, the region's best chefs and culinary teams have gathered at Taste to compete, demonstrate their skills, learn from each other, and offer diners a scrumptious exhibition of the most delectable culinary treats of the islands. At the end of the five-day affair, the Caribbean Chef of the Year, Caribbean Junior Chef of the Year, Caribbean Bartender of the Year, Caribbean Pastry Chef of the Year, and Caribbean Culinary Team of the Year were crowned.

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The Phoenix Newspaper - July 2019 - Page 45

PROPERTY AND REAL ESTATE

Local housing causes to benefit from £500,000 L

ocal community housing projects and charities were urged to put their case forward as Nationwide, the world’s largest building society, makes £500,000 available to help make a difference to communities across the region. The Society invited applications for grants of between £10,000 and £50,000 for housing projects that will support the most vulnerable in local communities. Gareth Franks, Nationwide’s Regional Director of the West region, said: “In 2007, our members voted for us to donate at least one per cent of our pre-tax profits to good causes and asked that we focus on tackling housing issues. We recognise there is a housing

crisis, resulting in many people living in unsuitable, insecure or unaffordable accommodation. So, to help make a real and lasting difference, we aimed to make £5.5 million available in grant funding for housing-related charities and organisations across the UK per year. “We are delighted to have opened the local application process and encourage housing related charities and organisations to apply so that they can collectively benefit from the £500,000 award that is available to communities across the West.” A Community Board, which is comprised of Nationwide members and employees, will review all the grant applications and award grants of up to a £50,000.

Retired homeowners earn £1,000 from their houses Retired homeowners saw their property wealth increase by more than £1,000 in the past year despite ongoing housing market uncertainty, analysis* from UK’s leading independent equity release adviser Key shows. Total property wealth owned by over-65s who have paid off mortgages is valued at £1.096 trillion – this is a fall from the £1,118 trillion recorded earlier in the year (February 2019) as the impact of market slowdown starts to be felt across the board. However on an annual basis (June 2018 to June 2019) retired homeowners still saw an increase of £5.445 billion, Key’s Pensioner Property Equity Index reveals. Since Key started analysing the mortgage-free property wealth of the over-65s in 2010 retired homeowners have benefited from growth of 41% - a total of more than £316 billion - earning them gains of £67,000 in almost a decade. Across Great Britain average

gains for the over-65s in property wealth in the past year are equivalent to £1,160 each but the national average does not tell the whole story. The biggest winners are over65s in the West Midlands who are nearly £7,500 better off than a year ago with retired homeowners in Wales (£6,560) and the North West (£6,297) also recording strong gains in the past 12 months. Retired mortgage-free homeowners in London, however, have lost more than £1,000 a month in the past year while over-65s in the South East and East Anglia have also seen property wealth values drop. Scottish retired homeowners saw property wealth slip slightly. London and the South East still account for more than a third (34%) of all property wealth held by retired homeowners despite the recent falls.

The Board and Nationwide branches within the region will also be providing time and expertise to these charities. So far Nationwide has awarded £4 million in grants to more than 100 projects and will be investing £5.5 million in housing projects across the UK per year. The programme is delivered with support from the UK Community Foundations programme, the national network for all accredited Community Foundations across the UK. Nationwide invited applications for housing community projects in the West this month. Full details can be found at: www. nationwide.co.uk/communityfunding or in local Nationwide branches in this region.

Yorkshire steel city is now England's gazumping capital Gazumping is alive and well in much of the country, despite the slowdown in the property market, according to new research by Phil Spencer’s home movers’ site Move iQ and the PropTech firm Gazeal. The analysis, of more than a million property transactions recorded by the Land Registry, found the worst area for gazumping is Sheffield. Over a third (35%) of wouldbe buyers in the South Yorkshire city are gazumped, more than double the average for England and Wales (16%). Gazumping – where a seller who has agreed a price with a buyer goes back on the deal after receiving a higher offer

from someone else – is typically seen as a symptom of an overheating property market, where intense competition among buyers leads to bidding wars and the temptation for sellers to leave would-be buyers in the lurch. That’s certainly the case in Sheffield, setting of the hit film The Full Monty, where average property prices rose by 7% in the 12 months to the end of January, and in Manchester, where a quarter (25%) of buyers suffered the heartbreak of gazumping as prices rose by a brisk 7.6% over the same period. However the chronic shortage of homes for sale has rewritten

the rulebook, and even areas where prices are falling are now seeing high levels of gazumping. The second worst hotspot is Maidstone in Kent, where nearly a third (32%) of buyers were gazumped – despite the fact that average prices fell by 1% in the year to January. While gazundering – in which buyers demand an eleventh-hour discount on a price they previously agreed with the seller – is often assumed to be a greater threat in the current slow market, the research reveals dozens of areas where gazumping is still rife.

Send in your stories to newsdesk@thephoenixnewspaper.com

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Page 46 - The Phoenix Newspaper - July 2019

SPORT - WITH STEVE WILLIAMS

The Wolverhampton Karate Kid who added an MBE to his belt

D NBA legend, Shaq, looking to buy Reebok Former basketball superstar, Shaquille O'Neal, says that he is very interested in buying out Reebok. Retired Shaq, who was drafted by the Orlando Magic in 1992, made more than $300 million from his NBA salary and various endorsement deals. As a serial entrepreneur, he has invested in several franchises and reportedly owns 155 Five Guys restaurants, 17 Auntie Anne’s, 9 Papa John's, 40 24-hour fitness gyms, and 150 car washes. According to CNBC, in America, he has also profited quite a bit from early investments in Google and Apple. During a recent interview after candidly mentioning that he is a part of the investment group that just purchased Sports Illustrated, he also told CNBC that he would love to purchase Reebook. The champion turned sports commentator signed his first shoe deal with Reebok in 1992, which was worth $15 million.

r Joshua Johnson has been instructing the traditional martial artwork since 1978 when he first opened the JJ Karate Academy. The varsity, in Blakenhall, has seen numerous champions come by way of the ranks, having their expertise nurtured by Dr Johnson. The 68-year-old was awarded his MBE by Prince William at a ceremony at Buckingham Palace. He mentioned: “It was an extended day and I was very drained, but it was so thrilling for me and my household, an unimaginable event. “It was a really proud moment for me. “Meeting Prince William was very thrilling and touching, it appeared so unreal, I couldn’t imagine it occurred to me, it was a second to treasure. “My father, Radcliffe Ellis Johnson got here to Stafford in 1944, in the course of the Second World War, aged 22, so this has been an enormous journey for my household from the place we had been to me now receiving an MBE. “He must be looking down smiling on me and saying ‘that is my boy’. “My scholars come to me for one hour - for the remainder of our lives we’re a household collectively.” Dr Johnson, who lives in Whitmore Reans, first moved to Wolverhampton (where he soon fell in love with), from Jamaica,

Pupils experience a day in the life of Wolves …

l Dr Joshua Johnson receiving his MBE from Prince William at Buckingham Palace as a 16-year-old and shortly turned his hand to the game. He added: “I’ve achieved a lot in my time – I need to thank the individuals of Wolverhampton for making this all potential. “The honest heat of the individuals of Wolverhampton is what makes me love it.”

The well-established membership remains to be operating to today with Dr Johnson on the forefront of coaching and instructing and he is exhibiting no indicators of slowing down. “We have had local, national and worldwide champions come

from our academy and we’re doing our greatest to proceed producing them – I am very happy with what we have achieved with our individuals. “The membership remains to be operating and I am nonetheless coaching now at my age.”

School pupils went behind the scenes at Wolves FC to experience a day in the life of a professional football club through a University of Wolverhampton project. Students from five Black Country and Telford schools attended the Aspire to HE event at Molineux which encourages pupils to consider higher education. Staff from the Premier League Club including University of Wolverhampton graduates ran sessions focused on sports science, coaching and commercial activity including marketing to showcase the different career options available. The 52 Year 12 and 13 students were also taken on a tour of the stadium and club museum during the one-day event.

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The Phoenix Newspaper - July 2019 - Page 47

Karate Kid adding an MBE to his belt- Page 46

Shaq has Reebok in his sights? - Page 46

Developing A Commonwealth Stadium For The Future P

lans showcasing the emerging design for the redevelopment of Alexander Stadium have been published, as public consultation begins. The venue at Walsall Road, Perry Barr, will be the focal point of the 2022 Commonwealth Games, hosting the Opening and Closing Ceremonies as well as the athletics programme. New artist impressions of the stadium have been released revealing Birmingham City Council’s intentions to create a legacy asset the city and its residents can be truly proud of. The redeveloped stadium will increase its permanent seating capacity from 12,700 to 18,000 allowing up to 40,000 during the Games through additional temporary seating. Key features include: • A new western stand replacing the Main, Knowles and Nelson stands • New tiered seating to the north and south • A new 400m 6-lane warm up

track and re-laying of a new IAAF Category 1 track (400m 9-lane competition standard track) • Improved public realm and parking provision, with additional landscaping and signage • Installation of new stadium lighting and practice throwing field • A new access road from A453 Aldridge Road (to be used for event/maintenance use only) The design will facilitate the temporary ‘Games overlay’ elements and additional infrastructure needed to deliver the 2022 Games. Further detail regarding the Games overlay will be consulted on at a later date.

Exciting

Demolition of the current west stand within the stadium is subject to a separate application which will be submitted to Birmingham City Council in summer 2019. Councillor Ian Ward, Leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “We’re now in an exciting phase of the design process where we would like to share our plans for the future with the community and hear their thoughts.

To Advertise

“The team has designed a redeveloped stadium which will meet the needs and aspirations of the community for generations to come. This is about creating a destination venue, shaping a legacy beyond the Commonwealth Games. “We are making lots of information and detail available, so I encourage as many people as possible to come along, have a look at the designs and provide their feedback.” Subject to gaining planning permission, the redeveloped stadium will be ready ahead of the Games which will take place between 27 July and 7 August 2022. For anyone unable to attend the events, all consultation material is now live on the council’s Be Heard consultation website at: www. birminghambeheard.org.uk/place/ alexander-stadium Those unable to access the internet can pick up a consultation leaflet and paper questionnaire at the following libraries: Library of Birmingham, Birchfield Library and Tower Hill Library.

New Chair Appointed to Lead UK Athletics Following the conclusion of an open recruitment process, UK Athletics confirmed the appointment of Chris Clark as Chair to the organisation made following the unanimous recommendation of the Athletics Appointment Panel (AAP) and approved by the UKA Board. His early career was founded in advertising where he spent seven years at Saatchi & Saatchi. His interest in athletics ranges from that of a keen spectator in his youth, to that as a parent to a high standard middle-distance athlete. He has also completed four London Marathons, alongside multiple 10k and cross-country races.

He strongly believes in the role athletics has to play in the sporting portfolio of the nation, with its easy access, social inclusiveness and proud history of societal impact and benefit. Chris said: “I am thrilled to be taking on the Chair role of UKA. As a nation we have a very proud heritage of performance on all levels of the world stage and the grassroots of this great sport l Chris Clark are in great shape and thriving with ever increasing numbers Northern Ireland. There will be of runners taking part in events much to get done with Tokyo and staying fit. 2020 just around the corner and “I am very much looking I'm sure we will be managing a forward to a strong partnership pretty busy 'to do' list.” with my fellow Chairs in Scotland, England, Wales and

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The Phoenix Newspaper - July 2019 - Page 23

www.streetcredmagazine.com

ENTERTAINMENT

LETâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s TALK COMMUNITY MEETINGS & Celebrating Women of Purpose

SPECIAL REPORT

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Celebrates Women Of Purpose

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Page 24 - The Phoenix Newspaper - July 2019

VICTORIA MUTUAL ‘LET’S TALK’ COMMUNITY MEETING

n their national tour outlining latest developments in its on-going investment developments – both home and abroad – some of Victoria Mutual Finance Limited’s esteemed leadership team members, from Jamaica and here in the UK, were on hand outlining its growing position in the financial banking market and just how far it has risen in its 140-year history. Held at the H Suite, in Edgbaston, in Birmingham, Victoria Mutual Building Society members, and non-associated interested parties, converged at their ‘Let’s Talk’ community meeting evening – part of their roadshow - to find why now is the best time to invest in Jamaica. “Victoria Mutual is assisting us

in making sure we have something to go back home to”, said compere, Delores Cooper, the Building Society’s director, at the supported by property and finance organisations; Guardian Group, National Land Agency, Moorland Devepments, Candour Properties, Richmond Estate and Redruth Land. “Victoria Mutual is doing something for you”, said Wade Lyn, Manging Director of Cleone Foods Limited, who manufactures the Island Delight Patties. In highlighting the importance – and why now is the best time – to invest in property in Jamaica, especially for those ex-pats whose intention was always to re-locate to the place of their birth. Wearing his Jamaica Honorary Consul to Birmingham hat he went on: “If you are looking for

investment in Jamaica, we are here for you”, before VMBS Chief Representative Officer Overseas Offices, Leighton Smith introduced the first Special Guest Speaker, VM’s president and CEO, Courtney Campbell, who said: “It’s important that you know of Victoria Mutual’s developments in Jamaica as we value our mutuality and financial inclusion. “It’s about the ‘upliftment’ of people – that is the mission of Victoria Mutual. “There is no time quite as now for people who have the best opportunity to invest in the country’s financial sector. Now, more than ever, we are teaching our clients of the best use of our financial instruments.

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The Phoenix Newspaper - July 2019 - Page 25

VICTORIA MUTUAL ‘LET’S TALK’ COMMUNITY MEETING

“Business conviction in Jamaica is at its highest”. Earlier Campbell outlined VM’s core values of member focus, integrity, teamwork, innovation and excellence, adding that it was the group’s main priority to listen to members and respond. Peter Reid, CEO of VM’s Building Society Operations, explained how being a mutual building society meant that staff worked for the benefit of members wherever they may be, returning value to them. “We are a better operating company when we are directed by our members,” he said. Victoria Mutual group chair, Michael McMorris, thanked the

audience for helping to build the society into the leading financial brand it is today, saying: “I’m very happy to be able to get out of the boardroom and come on the ground with the UK team and the Jamaican executives to say thanks for your business and to also say we are intent on listening to your needs. “We are very big on outreach, very big on community – every service that you use from us and what we give to you helps us all to build a better Jamaica”. A ‘Digital Transformation Strategy’ winner for 2018, Reid added: “It is important that customer service is ‘top notch.’ “As shares un Victoria Mutual

are doing really well, we are looking to help property developers in the UK. “Further afield, we have opened a new office in New York, in the US, with an 80% increase in property investment there. “And, in Jamaica, we have introduced a new programme in secondary schools to be ‘plugged in’ to as many local communities as possible”. Massive respect must be paid to Leighton Smith, whose unrelenting work with the community has allowed events like this to happen. His hard work and dedication has not gone unnoticed. Following this in-depth ‘Let’s Talk’ meeting, it was left for Birmingham Branch Manager, Phyllis Peters, to close proceedings as the Victoria Mutual Finance Limited rolled on to its next UK venue.

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Page 26 - The Phoenix Newspaper - July 2019 `

www.streetcredmagazine.com VICTORIA MUTUAL ‘LET’S TALK’www.streetcredmagazine.com COMMUNITY MEETING ENTERTAINMENT

l Back row (l-r) Paulette Lewis MBE, Gloria Leslie, (Deputy High Commissioner of Jamaica Angella Rose-Howell), Dr Beverly Lindsay, OBE, OD, Marcia McLaughlin F.Birm.Soc. , Josephine Williams, Leighton Smith. Front row (l-r) Dame Karlene Davis DBE, Rt Hon Diane Abbott MP, (Courtney Campbell) Dona Croll, Delores Cooper OD, (Peter Reid), Dahlia Sterling, Dr.Valentina Collington. Below: Marcia McLaughlin and Revd Rose Hudson-Wilkin.

ictoria Mutual recognised many Women of Purpose at a luncheon in London on Saturday 29th June. Courtney Campbell, President and CEO of the Victoria Mutual Group opened saying, “I feel particularly honoured to be in the company of so many outstanding women, at this VMBS UK Women of Purpose Luncheon. I am humbled and inspired as I look around this room. “I consider the achievements and the impact you have made

in different sectors including healthcare, politics, education, religion, the arts, among others – and I am filled with pride and admiration. “ “Congratulations, ladies for the immense contribution you have made to your professions, your communities and to Jamaica. You are examples of Jamaican excellence and I encourage you to continue to be tireless and unyielding in your efforts to make a positive impact on this world.” It was significant that the gathering took place in June –

Summer Southsi blasts off in space for th year’s fr family festiv

which this year was recognised here in the UK as Windrush Month. Many of the brave, pioneering individuals who came over from Jamaica as part of the ‘Windrush Generation’ were women and they and their families went on to be trailblazers. These women were instrumental in the creation of many institutions that exist today, including the National Health Service (NHS). “I mention the NHS specifically because, as you know, it was born out of the ideal that good

healthcare should be available to all regardless of social class or background,” continued Campbell, “which in some ways mirrors the founding principle of Victoria Mutual.” “Ladies and gentlemen, I wish to again offer my sincere congratulations to you for your outstanding contribution to nation-building both here in the UK and back home in Jamaica.” “Thank you for being with us today and I wish you God’s richest blessings.” Victoria Mutual are paving the way in promoting the great and the good in the diaspora, and long may they continue such initiatives. Talking of the day, Marcia McLaughlin of The Phoenix

Newspaper said “After making the trip down from Birmingham, this was a lovely surprise. Most importantly I’d like to personally thank Victoria Mutual, a company that has now been established for 140 years, for having the foresight to keep bringing it and setting trends that others can only hope to follow. “I hope that this type of recognition will continue for years to come, as we women of Jamaican soil will continue to pave the way and remember that one hand can’t clap.” To read Courtney’s inspirational speech in full, check it out on our website at www.thephoenixnewspaper.com.